Anoka County Authorities Confirm Body Of Missing Teen Manny Collins Found In Elk River Landfill

Anoka County Authorities Confirm Body Of Missing Teen Manny Collins Found In Elk River Landfill

ANOKA COUNTY, MN – July 1, 2025 – Anoka County authorities today announced the tragic discovery and identification of the remains of 16-year-old Jordan "Manny" Collins Jr., who had been missing since May 8, 2025. Collins' body was located on Saturday, June 28, at the Waste Management Landfill in Elk River, bringing a somber end to a nearly two-month-long, intensive search effort.

During a press conference held Tuesday, Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise and Columbia Heights Police Chief Matt Markham confirmed the identification, expressing heartfelt condolences to Manny's mother, Ashley Berry, his family, and friends. "Manny's death is a gigantic loss to our community. We stand with you at this time," Chief Markham stated.

The extensive search for Collins shifted to the Elk River landfill on June 4, following information that led investigators to a video. This video reportedly suggested that Collins' body may have made its way into a dumpster in Columbia Heights, eventually being transported by a garbage truck to the landfill. Waste Management was instrumental in narrowing the search to a specific area of approximately 200 by 200 feet and four feet deep, where trash from the relevant collection date (May 13) was located.

The arduous search involved hundreds of personnel from over 30 agencies, including the Columbia Heights Police Department, Anoka County Sheriff's Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Specialized landfill search experts from Virginia, including the FBI's Evidence Response Team and Technical Hazardous Response Unit, were brought in to assist with the meticulous sifting through approximately 180,000 cubic feet of refuse.

Sheriff Wise described the experience as "sobering... to work in a landfill like that only to discover someone else's child." He emphasized that while finding Manny's body is a crucial step, the investigation remains "complex, complex." Teams are continuing to search the landfill for additional evidence.

Manny Collins was last seen on May 8 near the 4900 block of University Avenue NE in Columbia Heights, where he had been staying with his father. He was reported missing four days later. Authorities had previously stated they believed he was missing "against his will."

While no arrests have been made, law enforcement has identified a person of interest in the case. Sheriff Wise declined to provide further details regarding the individual, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. The Midwest Medical Examiner's Office will determine the official cause of death, with forensic and medical examinations still pending.

"Every available resource is being directed toward the lawful arrest of anyone responsible for Manny's death," Chief Markham assured. Sheriff Wise added, "We will keep moving forward until we get an arrest."

Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information regarding Manny Collins' movements in the days leading up to his disappearance or any details pertaining to his death. Tips can be submitted to the BCA Resource Line at 877-996-6222 or via email at bca.tips@state.mn.us.

MinneapoliMedia