Based on the incredible true story, fans alike are not only excited for the film's release this fall season, but are eager to learn more about the truth behind Roofman.

In 1991, Manchester became a sergeant in the Army Reserves. There, he received training in airborne and air assault operations.

After marrying and divorcing in 1998, Jeffrey decided to put his military training to a different kind of use.

In Nov. 1998, Manchester began his year-and-a-half-long crime spree, allegedly robbing more than 40 businesses in nine different states across the United States.

However, Manchester had a particular interest in one fast food restaurant – McDonald's. Authorities would conclude that these crimes against McDonald’s locations comprised roughly two-thirds of all robberies committed by Manchester.

Stealing an estimated $100,000 in nine states, most of his heists had a similar pattern.

Manchester would use tools to cut a hole in the roof of the location, dropping down from around 10 to 15 feet. He would then round up the employees and steal the restaurant's cash.

Strangely, while locking the employees in the fridge unharmed, Manchester was exceptionally polite and apologetic towards the employees.

For nearly two years, Jeffrey Manchester was known only as “Roofman” or the “Rooftop Robber”, gaining notoriety throughout the country. However, on May 20, 2000, Manchester would finally be caught after committing the early morning robbery at McDonald’s located on Main Street in Belmont, North Carolina.

After being spotted escaping the scene in a getaway car, the police chased Manchester into the woods and caught up to him.

Staying true to his reputation, Manchester didn’t put up a fight against the authorities. Instead, he congratulated them on catching him.

Manchester was ultimately sentenced to 45 years in prison and remained in good behavior while serving; however, he never planned to stay for long.

On June 15, 2004, Manchester prepared his escape. On a rainy day, working at the prison metal shop, he snuck into the bottom of the delivery truck that passed through the shop.

Manchester was finally free and traveled 40 miles to the City of Charlotte, where he set up a living space within a Toys “R” Us.

Behind a bike rack, he made a small hole that was connected to the wall. Here, Manchester did what he did best and cut space for himself to live and remain out of sight.

Manchester would only come out at night when the store was closed. But, since he was in a toy store, he would ride around on bikes for exercise and managed to steal and eat baby food for nourishment.

But that wasn’t enough for Manchester. By October, Manchester joined the Crossroads Presbyterian Church under the name “John Zorin” and started dating a fellow churchgoer named Leigh Wainscott.

Inside the Toys “R” Us, Manchester was living the life most children dreamed of; however, he knew he couldn’t stay forever.

On Dec. 26, Manchester pulled off the big Toys “R” Us robbery. But, as history would tell, he wouldn’t be so lucky.

While being held up, employees were able to call the authorities sooner than Manchester anticipated. When an off-duty police officer unexpectedly showed up, Manchester punched her and ran away.

While investigating, police found fingerprints in the “Roofman’s” secret room, which connected to Manchester.

On Jan. 5, 2005, Leigh called Manchester to come over for a celebration. Little did Manchester know that, awaiting officers arrested him at the scene.

Manchester is currently incarcerated at the Central Prison in Raleigh. His projected release date is Dec. 4, 2036.

All information was provided by the Charlotte Observer newspaper and Crime Zone on YouTube.

Roofman is set to release in theaters on Oct. 10, 2025.