Father Arrested In Connection With Death Of 16-Year-Old Jordan “Manny” Collins Jr.

Father Arrested In Connection With Death Of 16-Year-Old Jordan “Manny” Collins Jr.

Columbia Heights, MN — July 8, 2025 | The father of 16-year-old Jordan “Manny” Collins Jr., who was reported missing in May and later found dead in a landfill, has been arrested in connection with his son’s death.

Jordan Dupree Collins Sr., 38, of Columbia Heights, was taken into custody on Monday, July 7, on probable cause of second-degree murder. As of Tuesday morning, he remains in the Anoka County Jail. Formal charges have not yet been filed.

From Missing Teen to Tragic Discovery

Manny Collins Jr. was last seen on May 8 while staying with his father in Columbia Heights. Surveillance footage placed him near University Avenue Northeast at approximately 4 a.m. His mother, who lives in Minneapolis, reported him missing four days later.

Investigators received a crucial lead weeks later—video surveillance that showed a garbage container, believed to contain Manny’s remains, being emptied into a garbage truck. That led authorities to begin searching the Waste Management landfill in Elk River on June 4.

After nearly a month of intensive searching, involving more than 100 personnel from over 30 agencies and an estimated 10,000 collective man-hours, human remains were located in the landfill on June 28. On July 1, the remains were officially identified as those of Jordan “Manny” Collins Jr. through DNA confirmation by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office.

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities continue to investigate the case as a homicide. The exact cause and manner of Manny’s death have not yet been determined, pending further forensic and toxicology results. Investigators have not disclosed a motive but confirmed that the arrest of Collins Sr. is part of an active and ongoing criminal investigation.

A spokesperson for the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office said multiple local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies—including the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) and the FBI—are assisting with the case. Officials have praised the tireless efforts of search teams that worked through difficult landfill conditions to help bring closure to the family.

Community in Mourning

The discovery of Manny’s remains brought an outpouring of grief from the Columbia Heights community. Vigils and balloon releases were held in his memory. Family members, including Manny’s great-grandmother Mary Berry, expressed sorrow but also relief that his body was found, allowing for proper mourning.

“This is not the outcome any of us hoped for, but now we can lay Manny to rest,” Berry told local media.

What Comes Next

As the investigation progresses, the Anoka County Attorney’s Office will determine whether to proceed with formal charges against Collins Sr. Anyone with information that could assist the case is urged to contact the Minnesota BCA tip line at 1-877-996-6222 or email bca.tips@state.mn.us.

MinneapoliMedia will continue to provide updates as new details emerge in this developing case.

MinneapoliMedia