Criminal – Episode: "The Roofman, Part 2"

Introduction

In the gripping second part of "The Roofman" episode, hosted by Phoebe Judge, Criminal delves deeper into the audacious escape and subsequent criminal activities of Jeffrey Manchester. Released on April 18, 2025, this episode unpacks Manchester's meticulously planned breakout from Brown Creek Correctional in North Carolina and his elaborate life on the run. Through insightful interviews and a detailed narrative, the episode sheds light on the interplay between a seasoned criminal and the relentless law enforcement officers determined to recapture him.

Jeffrey Manchester’s Escape

The episode picks up with Sky Poley, a special agent for the California Department of Justice, recounting the shocking news of Jeffrey Manchester's escape:

Sky Poley [01:16]: "I said, you have got to be kidding me. He said, no. Nope. He busted out. He got out somehow."

Manchester, serving a 45-year sentence for multiple armed robberies at McDonald's locations, managed to escape on June 15, 2004. Described as a model prisoner, Manchester utilized his position in the prison's metal shop to orchestrate his breakout. Katharine Scheinreif, a former sergeant for the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department, praises Manchester's ingenuity:

Katharine Scheinreif [02:45]: "You have to realize it's usually human error. And we're humans, we make mistakes."

On the day of his escape, Manchester reportedly climbed beneath a supply truck in a "spider-like style," fastening a board to support himself, allowing him to ride out unnoticed as the truck exited the prison grounds.

Life on the Run: Toys R Us and Circuit City

Manchester's first hideout was a local Toys R Us in Charlotte, strategically located just 40 miles from Brown Creek Correctional. Scheinreif explains how Manchester seamlessly blended into the store environment:

Katharine Scheinreif [09:24]: "It's perfect as well. It had power, it had air, you know, had everything that you need for comfort."

Inside, he set up a makeshift home behind a bike display, complete with a mattress, blankets, and food sourced from the store's supplies. Manchester maintained his cover by manipulating the store’s security systems, turning cameras on and off, and altering employee schedules to avoid detection. His ability to adapt to his confined environment was both resourceful and unsettling.

As the holiday season approached, Manchester moved to a neighboring vacant Circuit City store, building a concealed living space beneath the stairwell. Here, he further entrenched himself by creating a hidden passageway between the two stores, allowing him seamless movement without raising suspicion.

Criminal Activities and Personal Relationships

To sustain his lifestyle, Manchester engaged in petty thefts, stealing items from Toys R Us and pawning them for cash. His escapades weren't just limited to theft; he sought companionship and trust by integrating himself into the local community. Manchester began attending Crossroads Presbyterian Church, where he cultivated a relationship with a woman amidst her personal turmoil:

Katharine Scheinreif [15:24]: "She's a mom, kind hearted, giving, and just like him, was probably in need of companionship."

Under the guise of "John," Manchester deceived his girlfriend by masquerading as a government agent, further embedding himself into her life. This relationship provided him both emotional support and a strategic advantage, allowing him to operate with a façade of normalcy.

The Downfall: Final Robbery and Capture

Manchester's overconfidence led to his eventual downfall. In November 2004, during a second robbery at Toys R Us, he attempted to steal money from the store's registers while brandishing a firearm. However, this time, the presence of an off-duty sheriff's deputy working as a security guard disrupted his plans:

Katharine Scheinreif [18:36]: "He realized, oh, I am so screwed right now because they're going to call the police."

As panic ensued, Manchester fled back to his hidden lair in Circuit City, inadvertently triggering alarms that alerted law enforcement. Detective Scheinreif recounts the intense manhunt that followed:

Katharine Scheinreif [20:38]: "Taking a gun from a law enforcement officer and holding her hostage, yeah, that's something that definitely sets off a bell in my head."

A breakthrough came when Officer Fred Allen discovered Manchester's concealed living space in Circuit City, equipped with personal items and a fingerprint that matched the escapee. Despite this discovery, Manchester eluded immediate capture by setting fire to a dentist's office, likely in a desperate attempt to cover his tracks.

Final Arrest and Reflections

The turning point came when Manchester's girlfriend, realizing the truth after seeing his wanted poster, cooperated with the police. On her 40th birthday, Manchester was invited to her apartment under the pretense of celebrating, only to be ambushed and apprehended:

Katharine Scheinreif [29:42]: "He wouldn't make eye contact with me, and he just looked away, like maybe disappointment. He just realized it's over."

Following his arrest, Manchester expressed regret to his mother and girlfriend. Katharine Scheinreif speculates that Manchester's motivations extended beyond mere financial gain:

Katharine Scheinreif [30:18]: "I think it was for the chase. I think it was for the game. I think it was for the rush."

Currently incarcerated at Central Prison in Raleigh with a projected release date in 2036, Manchester has made multiple escape attempts since, including in 2009 and 2017, underscoring his persistent drive for freedom.

Insights from Law Enforcement

Throughout the episode, insights from Katharine Scheinreif offer a window into the challenges faced by law enforcement when dealing with evasive and intelligent criminals like Manchester. Her reflections highlight the importance of adaptability, keen observation, and the necessity of leveraging community relationships in apprehending fugitives.

Conclusion

"The Roofman, Part 2" masterfully chronicles the intricate cat-and-mouse game between Jeffrey Manchester and the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department. Through detailed storytelling and expert interviews, Criminal paints a vivid portrait of a man's descent into calculated criminality and the relentless pursuit by those sworn to uphold the law. This episode not only captivates with its narrative depth but also offers profound insights into the human elements that drive both crime and justice.

Notable Quotes

• Sky Poley [02:17]: "Was I surprised that he escaped? Uh, not really. I was not surprised because of the way he was able to get away with so many armed robberies."
• Katharine Scheinreif [10:02]: "He just acted like a regular guy, which is what you really should do."
• Katharine Scheinreif [17:40]: "At that time? No, no. No clue whatsoever."
• Katharine Scheinreif [30:18]: "I think it was for the chase. I think it was for the game. I think it was for the rush."

Additional Resources

For more information and updates on Criminal, visit thisiscriminal.com and follow their social media channels on Facebook, Twitter (@criminalshow), Instagram (@criminalpodcast), and YouTube (YouTube.com/criminalpodcast). Support the show by joining their membership program for exclusive content and bonus episodes.