Authorities have confirmed the tragic discovery of 16-year-old Jordan “Manny” Collins Jr., a Minnesota teenager who disappeared in early May. His remains were located over the weekend at a landfill in Elk River, bringing a heartbreaking end to a nearly two-month-long search.
Collins was last seen on May 8 in Columbia Heights, Minnesota, and was officially reported missing four days later, on May 12. Columbia Heights Police Chief Matt Markham confirmed the discovery during a press conference held Tuesday, July 1.
According to investigators, human remains were found at the Waste Management Landfill in Elk River and later positively identified as belonging to the missing teen. Authorities had been searching the landfill since June 4, following leads in the case.
“I think the fact that a four-week search of the landfill illustrates pretty clearly the tenacity of law enforcement in bringing justice,” said Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise. “This is a complex investigation.”
Sheriff Wise revealed that surveillance footage led investigators to believe Collins’ body may have ended up in a dumpster and was later transported to the landfill via garbage truck.
“We obtained a video that showed some evidence that would suggest the body might have made its way into a dumpster and into a garbage truck,” Wise explained. Although no suspects have been named at this time, the case is being investigated as a homicide.
“Well, a dead body wound up in a landfill, so I guess draw your own conclusion, yes,” Wise told reporters when asked about the nature of the investigation. The devastating news comes after weeks of tireless efforts by family members, community volunteers, and law enforcement agencies.
Collins’ mother, Ashley Berry, had been vocal in her search for her son, even before authorities confirmed his death. “He’s a really good kid, and anybody who’s crossed paths with him knows that he has an old soul,” Berry told KARE 11 during the search.
A GoFundMe campaign created by Berry to help cover expenses and support the ongoing search raised more than $8,000 as of July 1. On the page, Berry expressed the emotional toll the disappearance had taken. “Since that day, my life has been turned upside down,” she wrote.
“Every moment of every day has been focused on finding him — talking to authorities, sharing his story, posting flyers, and following every lead possible.” The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office is currently working to determine the cause of death. As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a young life gone far too soon.
