A heartbreaking case from Minnesota has left many shocked and grieving. A 16-year-old boy named Jordan Collins Jr., also known as “Manny,” went missing in May 2024.
After weeks of desperate searching by law enforcement and his family, his body was found in a landfill. Now, his father is the main suspect in this disturbing crime.
When Did Jordan Go Missing?
Jordan Jr. was last seen on May 8 while staying with his father in Columbia Heights. His mother lost contact with him and reported him missing on May 12. She had been doing everything she could — posting flyers, contacting police, and hoping for any news.
The Shocking Discovery at the Landfill
On June 28, after more than a month of searching, police found Jordan’s body in a landfill in Elk River, around 30 minutes from where he was last seen. The search covered a huge area — about 180,000 cubic feet — and involved over 10,000 hours of work by more than 30 different law enforcement agencies.
What Did the Police Find?
Police had searched the father’s apartment early on, on May 11. They found blood-stained items in garbage cans, missing parts of a mattress and carpet, and several large knives. Later, it was confirmed that the blood matched Jordan’s DNA.
Authorities also found security footage suggesting that a body may have been placed in a dumpster and then transported by a garbage truck, which led them to the landfill.
The Father’s Story Raises Doubts
Jordan’s father, 38-year-old Jordan Dupree Collins Sr., told police his son had left on May 8 to visit his grandmother and girlfriend. But the girlfriend denied making such plans, raising questions about his claim. Collins Sr. also said the knives in his apartment were used for butchering animals.
The Arrest and Charges
On July 4, nearly a week after the body was discovered, Collins Sr. was arrested. He is now facing second-degree murder charges. According to a criminal complaint, there was evidence suggesting Jordan Jr. may have been decapitated with a knife. The father is currently in jail with a $3 million bond and is expected in court on August 4.
A Mother’s Pain and Determination
Before her son’s body was found, Jordan Jr.’s mother, Ashley Berry, shared her fears in a TV interview. She said she didn’t believe her son was alive and admitted losing hope as the days passed. On GoFundMe, she wrote how her life had been turned upside down and that she was doing everything possible to find her son.
Still No Known Motive
Police have not released any clear reason behind the killing. It remains unclear what led to this tragic event, and many questions are still unanswered.
This story has deeply affected the Minnesota community and beyond. A young life was tragically cut short, and a family has been left broken. While justice may be on its way, the pain for Jordan Jr.’s loved ones will last forever.
Law enforcement’s long search and the community’s support show how serious this case is, and many are now waiting for justice to be served.
