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Crime, Law and Justice
Mark Zdechlik

Father charged in death of Columbia Heights teen Manny Collins

A boy sits on a table
Manny Collins' remains were found in late June in an Elk River landfill, after the teen went missing from Columbia Heights in early May. Manny's father has been charged with murder in connection with his son's death.
Courtesy of Anoka County Sheriff's Office

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Authorities have charged a Columbia Heights man with second-degree murder after his 16-year-old son was found dead weeks after going missing.

Jordan Collins Sr. was charged in Anoka County and made his first court appearance Wednesday morning.

Authorities said his son, Jordan Collins Jr. — known as Manny — was last heard from on May 8. The teen’s remains were found in late June after an exhaustive search of an Elk River landfill.

The criminal complaint alleges that Jordan Collins Sr. killed Manny — with an autopsy reportedly finding evidence that the teen had been decapitated. Authorities seized several knives from the father’s apartment, and the complaint alleges that bloodstains found in the apartment matched Manny’s DNA.

Authorities were able to use GPS data kept by Waste Management to determine where garbage collected from the dumpster outside Jordan Collins Sr.’s apartment was dumped in the Elk River landfill, and pinpoint the search. That led to the eventual discovery of Manny’s remains.

Court documents do not offer details on a possible motive.

Jordan Collins Sr. was arrested Monday. He allegedly claimed on several occasions that he last saw his son leaving his apartment to go visit a relative in St. Paul — though authorities said he gave different dates.

Collins remained in custody in the Anoka County Jail as of midday Wednesday. A judge set bail at $2 million with conditions.

Prosecutors said they’ll seek an aggravated sentence if Collins is convicted, citing his close relationship with Manny, and the “particular cruelty” of the alleged crimes. He’s due back in court on Aug. 4.

Manny’s mother, Ashley Berry, had pleaded with the public for help finding her son in the weeks he was missing. She told KARE 11 that Manny was a caring person, with an “old soul” and an unforgettable smile.

An online fundraiser started by Berry to help in the search for her son was nearing its goal as of Wednesday afternoon.