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Jeffrey Manchester

Jeffrey Allen Manchester is an American convicted criminal known by the nickname “Roofman” for robbing McDonald’s and other businesses by cutting through roofs.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jeffrey Allen Manchester is an American convicted criminal known by the nickname “Roofman” for robbing McDonald’s and other businesses by cutting through roofs. He later gained wider attention for escaping prison and hiding for months inside a Toys “R” Us store in North Carolina.

Background

Jeffrey Manchester was born in Sacramento, California, in 1971. Sources describe him as a former U.S. Army Reserve sergeant before his criminal case became widely known.

Criminal activity

Manchester became notorious for a series of robberies in which he entered stores by drilling or cutting through the roof. This method led to the nickname “Roofman.”

Escape and recapture

After being sentenced, Manchester escaped custody and lived for months inside retail stores in North Carolina, including a Toys “R” Us. He was eventually captured again and returned to prison.

Public recognition

Manchester’s story has been covered in books, news reporting, podcasts, and film adaptations. Public interest focuses on both his robberies and his unusual prison escape.

Key facts

  • Manchester became known for a burglary method involving cutting through roofs of fast-food restaurants.
  • He was nicknamed “Roofman.”
  • He later escaped prison and lived secretly inside retail spaces, including a Toys “R” Us.
  • He remains a real person and is widely covered in true-crime reporting.
  • He was born in 1971, making him 54 years old in 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jeffrey Manchester?
Jeffrey Manchester is an American convicted criminal known as “Roofman” for robberies carried out by entering buildings through the roof.
What is Jeffrey Manchester known for?
He is known for roof-entry robberies of McDonald’s and other businesses, and for escaping prison and hiding inside retail stores.
How old is Jeffrey Manchester?
He was born on November 12, 1971, which makes him 54 years old in 2026.
What happened to Jeffrey Manchester?
He was convicted, escaped prison, lived covertly in retail spaces for a time, and was later recaptured. He remains incarcerated in North Carolina.
Is Jeffrey Manchester a real person?
Yes. Jeffrey Manchester is a real American convicted criminal whose case has been widely documented.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeffrey_Manchester
    Supports: Full name, birth date, nationality, nickname, and roof-entry robbery method.
  2. People — https://people.com/roofman-true-story-11828198
    Supports: True-story identification, prison escape, Toys 'R' Us concealment, and continued incarceration.
  3. Today — https://www.today.com/popculture/movies/roofman-true-story-jeffrey-manchester-rcna236165
    Supports: Current incarceration and projected release date.
  4. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/movies-tv/a68152400/roofman-jeffrey-manchester-true-story-channing-tatum
    Supports: Birth in Sacramento, California, and recognition as the real-life Roofman.