Jeffrey Manchester: The Roofman FAQ - Sentence, Escape & Capture
Jeffrey Manchester, the ‘Roofman’ burglar, escaped prison and lived in a Toys R Us. Discover how he was caught after months on the run and his current sentence.
Photo of Jeffrey Manchester, AKA the Roofman
January 14, 2026
Since we released our episode on Jeffrey Manchester, the infamous "Roofman," we've received a ton of questions about the specifics of his case. I get it, the story is fascinating and one that deserves it’s own deep-dive. So if you’re searching for answers, this post is here to provide them. Below, we answer the most frequently asked questions about the Roofman. For the full, in-depth story, make sure to listen to our full episode!
Who is Jeffrey Manchester (the Roofman)?
Jeffrey Allen Manchester is a former U.S. Army Reserve sergeant known for a string of non-violent, but clever, robberies in the late 1990s. He earned the nickname "The Roofman" because his method involved breaking into fast-food restaurants and other businesses through their roofs. After being caught and sentenced, he became even more famous for a daring prison escape and for living secretly inside a Toys "R" Us and a Circuit City.
What was Jeffrey Manchester's sentence?
This is something we ran into with our research, as different sources could tell marginally different things. Initially, in 2000, he was sentenced to a term of around 45 years after turning down a plea deal for 15-22 years. After his escape and recapture, he received additional sentences. Most reliable sources (and the ones we have used) state his total sentence is around 40-45 years. He remains in prison today.
How did Jeffrey Manchester escape prison?
In June 2004, after serving just four years at Brown Creek Correctional Institution, Jeffrey Manchester pulled off a bold escape. While working in the prison's metal shop, he constructed a plywood platform, painted it black, and attached it to the underside of a delivery truck. He then hid on this platform as the truck drove out of the prison gates.
How long was Jeffrey Manchester on the run?
Jeffrey Manchester was on the run for approximately seven months. He escaped in June 2004 and was recaptured on January 5, 2005.
How was Jeffrey Manchester caught?
His recapture was a combination of good police work and his own mistakes (plus a woman he loved). After hiding out in a Charlotte-area Toys "R" Us, he moved to a Circuit City. Police found his hideout and lifted a fingerprint from a DVD of the movie Catch Me If You Can (so perfect). His girlfriend at the time, Leigh Wainscott, was also crucial to his capture. At the request of the police, she called him to meet for her birthday dinner. When Manchester showed up, he was promptly arrested.
Did Jeffrey Manchester have other escape attempts?
Yes. After being sent back to prison, he attempted to escape two more times, once in 2009 and again in 2017. Both of these attempts were unsuccessful.
How old is Jeffrey Manchester?
Born on November 12, 1971, Jeffrey Manchester is currently 54 years old (as of early 2026). As far as how old he will be when he is released from prison in North Carolina in 2036, he will be 64 or 65.