Remains of Jordan Manny Collins Found in Elk River

The remains of Jordan Manny Collins were found during a search at the Waste Management Landfill in Elk River, Minnesota over the weekend. The discovery came after nearly a month of searching the landfill.

16 year old Collins was last seen in Columbia Heights on May 8, 2025. Authorities suspect foul play, and believe he was taken against his will. 

“I want the public to know also that the investigation is not stagnant,” Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise said. “We are going to continue to work until we are able to seek justice for Manny’s mom.”

The Anoka County Sheriff’s Office released the following statement;

An autopsy has been conducted by the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, and the results are pending. A cause of death has not yet been determined. Law enforcement from the Columbia Heights Police Department, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Federal Bureau of Investigation are continuing to use all available measures to investigate Manny’s death. Additionally, teams remain at the landfill searching for evidence.

 

Local, state, and federal agencies all want to ensure that justice is served. Every available resource is being directed toward the lawful arrest of anyone responsible for Manny’s death. A person of interest remains in this investigation, and law enforcement continues to work closely with the Anoka County Attorney’s Office to determine potential charges. The Columbia Heights Police Department and Anoka County Sheriff’s Office wants to assure the community that progress in this investigation continues to be made, and detectives have been working around the clock to bring justice for Manny.

 

Law enforcement, family, and friends of Manny continue to urge those with information about the disappearance and death of Manny to come forward with their information. Tips may be submitted to the BCA Resource Line at 1-877-996-6222 or bca.tips@state.mn.us.

The Disappearance of Jordan “Manny” Collins

Manny Collins was last seen on May 8, 2025, near the 4900 block of University Avenue in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. 

On May 12, 2025, he was officially reported missing to the Columbia Heights Police Department.

Police believe Manny was taken against his will and have established a person of interest, though that person has not been publicly named and no arrests have been made.

“Manny, if you’re looking at this, if you’re somewhere that you’re capable of listening to this or you see me, just know that I love you, and you know how much I’m worried,” Manny’s mother Ashley Berry said at a press conference on May 28, 2025.

“And you are loved. You got a lot of people looking for you.”

Investigation

Since his disappearance, there has been no phone or social media activity by Manny. His phone was turned on for about three minutes on May 11, according to his mother, but has been shut off since. He also hasn’t claimed his allowance though CashApp.

At the time of his disappearance, Manny was temporarily staying with his father. The apartment building where they were living is under investigation.

Business owners and residents with surveillance cameras in the area are asked to review footage captured between May 8 and May 12, and contact police if they see Collins or anything suspicious.

Multiple people have been interviewed, and forensic evidence has been collected, though no arrests have been made in connection with Manny’s disappearance.

On June 6, 2025, the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office released the following update;

Law enforcement from the Columbia Heights Police Department, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and Federal Bureau of Investigation are conducting a search at the Waste Management Landfill in the City of Elk River in relation to the disappearance of Manny Collins. This remains an active investigation and no further information is available at this time.

 

Law enforcement remains committed to using all available resources to conduct a thorough investigation in order to find Manny and bring answers to his family.