History of Jeffrey Manchester in Timeline

Jeffrey Allen Manchester, known as the "Rooftop Robber," is an American spree-robber and former Army Reserve soldier. His modus operandi involved drilling through roofs to break into targeted locations. He was apprehended in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2005 after using the alias John Zorn from June 2004 to January 2005. Manchester's crimes and capture have earned him notoriety, solidifying his place as a figure in true crime history.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education

1971: Jeffrey Allen Manchester born

In 1971, Jeffrey Allen Manchester was born. He is known as the "Rooftop Robber".

November 1998: Beginning of McDonald's Robberies

In November 1998, Jeffrey Allen Manchester began robbing McDonald's locations across the United States.

1999: Manchester's Divorce

In 1999, Jeffrey Allen Manchester divorced while serving at Concord Naval Weapons Station.

May 20, 2000: Manchester's Apprehension

On May 20, 2000, Jeffrey Allen Manchester was apprehended by North Carolina police after robbing two McDonald's on the same day.

2002: DVD of Catch Me If You Can

In 2002, police discovered the only fingerprint in the room, which was coincidentally on a DVD of Catch Me If You Can (2002).

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June 15, 2004: Manchester Escapes from Prison

On June 15, 2004, Jeffrey Allen Manchester escaped from Brown Creek prison by hiding in an outgoing truck's undercarriage.

June 2004: Manchester Uses Alias John Zorn

In June 2004, Jeffrey Allen Manchester began using the alias John Zorn.

December 2004: Manchester Moves to Circuit City

During the holiday rush of December 2004, Jeffrey Allen Manchester moved his living quarters to an abandoned Circuit City next door to Toys "R" Us to avoid detection.