History of Jeffrey Manchester in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 17, 2025

Jeffrey Allen Manchester is an American criminal notable for his unique method of breaking into buildings by drilling through their roofs. Prior to his second arrest in Charlotte, North Carolina, Manchester operated under the alias John Zorn between June 2004 and January 2005. His criminal activity and specific MO distinguish him.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education

December 31, 1971: Jeffrey Manchester's Birth

On December 31, 1971, Jeffrey Allen Manchester was born. He is an American criminal known for breaking into locations by drilling through their roofs.

November 1998: Beginning of Robbery Spree

In November 1998, Jeffrey Manchester began robbing McDonald's locations across the United States, employing a distinct modus operandi involving roof entry and holding up employees.

1999: Divorce

In 1999, Jeffrey Allen Manchester divorced his wife while serving at Concord Naval Weapons Station. He had married at age 20.

May 20, 2000: Apprehension by Police

On May 20, 2000, Jeffrey Manchester was apprehended by North Carolina police after robbing two McDonald's in the same day, during which he wielded a .22 caliber rifle. He was caught fleeing from nearby woods after a silent alarm was triggered.

2002: Inspiration from Catch Me If You Can

In 2002, after the Toys "R" Us robbery, police discovered Jeffrey Manchester's lodgings in the Circuit City, finding his only fingerprint on a DVD of "Catch Me If You Can".

June 15, 2004: Escape from Brown Creek

On June 15, 2004, Jeffrey Manchester escaped from Brown Creek prison. He hid in an outgoing truck's undercarriage using a plywood platform and cardboard to conceal himself, then hitchhiked to Charlotte.

June 2004: Adoption of the John Zorn Alias

In June 2004, Jeffrey Manchester began using the alias John Zorn. This was before he was apprehended in 2005 for a second time.

December 2004: Residence in Abandoned Circuit City

In December 2004, during the holiday rush, Jeffrey Manchester moved his living quarters from a Toys "R" Us to an abandoned Circuit City next door, creating a hidden room under a stairwell. He furnished the room, passed time watching movies, and remained there to avoid detection.

2004: First Prison Escape

In 2004, Jeffrey Manchester had a successful prison escape from Brown Creek, where he hid in an outgoing truck's undercarriage.

January 5, 2005: Recapture by Police

On January 5, 2005, Jeffrey Manchester was recaptured by police after Wainscott, who knew him as "John Zorn", revealed his true identity. Police convinced her to call Manchester to her home, where he was arrested upon arrival.