Human remains identified as missing Columbia Heights teen
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Authorities in Anoka County announced early Tuesday that human remains found over the weekend have been identified as those of a Columbia Heights teenager who went missing in May.
16-year-old Jordan Collins Jr. — known as Manny — had been last seen on May 8. Authorities had said they believed his disappearance was against his will.
Search teams found Manny’s remains in an Elk River landfill. Local, state and federal agencies had been searching the landfill for several weeks, in connection with the case. The cause of death remains under investigation.
At a news conference Tuesday, Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise said searchers went through 180,000 cubic feet of refuse at the landfill.
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“Over the course of the last four weeks, we literally had hundreds of searchers from over 30 different agencies,” he said. “We had young people from forensic science colleges like Hamline University, to fire departments, to police departments, to sheriff’s offices — all have been participating in this search.”
Authorities said they continue to search for evidence at the landfill, and that “every available resource is being directed toward the lawful arrest of anyone responsible for Manny’s death.”
The sheriff’s office said there continues to be a person of interest in the case, but there have been no arrests at last report.
“We would continue to ask for the public’s assistance, especially if they may know something about Manny or his habits in the last several months,” Wise said.
People with information can call the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension at (877) 996-6222, or e-mail bca.tips@state.mn.us.
