The highly anticipated film The Roofman, starring Channing Tatum, premiered in theaters, drawing attention not just for its leading actor but for its intriguing premise based on a true story. Tatum portrays Jeffrey Manchester, a notorious thief sentenced to 45 years in prison for a series of robberies in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The film captures the extraordinary events surrounding Manchester’s criminal activities, including his dramatic escape and subsequent life on the run.
Director Derek Cianfrance delves into the real-life narrative that inspired the film. He communicated extensively with Manchester, who is currently incarcerated, stating, “I talked to him about four times a week for four years.” Cianfrance also consulted law enforcement officials who apprehended Manchester, confirming the unbelievable nature of his story. “The more I heard his story, the more I just couldn’t believe it was actually real,” he added.
Manchester’s criminal career began as he executed heists by creating holes in the roofs of businesses, leading to his nickname, The Roofman. He successfully robbed 38 businesses across nine states, with notable targets including fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Burger King, as well as retail giants like Toys R Us and Blockbuster. Despite his criminal undertakings, Manchester reportedly displayed a friendly demeanor toward employees, creating a striking contrast to his illegal activities.
His criminal activities came to an end following a robbery at a McDonald’s in Belmont, North Carolina, in May 2000. After serving time, he made a daring escape from the Brown Creek Correctional Institution on June 15, 2004. Utilizing a truck to flee, Manchester found refuge in a local Toys R Us store in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he managed to evade capture for several months. He employed baby monitors to monitor the store’s activities while hiding during the day.
Manchester’s cover was ultimately compromised when an employee noticed missing items and discovered his hiding spot behind a false wall. In November 2004, he began venturing into the local community under the alias John Zorn, even attending a church where he began a relationship with Leigh Wainscott. Wainscott was unaware of his criminal past, believing he held a government job. However, after police inquiries in January 2005, she learned the truth and assisted authorities in his recapture.
Today, Manchester resides at Central Prison in Raleigh, North Carolina, where he is expected to remain until his projected release in 2036. As audiences experience Tatum’s portrayal of this incredible story, many may find themselves pondering the fine line between fiction and reality, curious about the true events that unfolded in the life of Jeffrey Manchester.