Authorities find remains of missing Columbia Heights teen in landfill

Law enforcement officials in Anoka County vowed Tuesday to keep investigating what happened to a 16-year-old whose remains were found in an Elk River landfill more than a month after he went missing.

Searchers found the body of Jordan “Manny” Collins Jr.on Saturday, according to Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise and Columbia Heights Police Chief Matt Markham. The investigation had zeroed in on Waste Management’s Elk River landfill, where law enforcement from 30 agencies spent four weeks sifting through nearly 108,000 cubic feet of refuse.

“We express condolences to his mother, Ashley, his family and friends,” Markham said during a news conference Tuesday. “Manny’s death is a gigantic loss to our community. We stand with you at this time.”

Collins, 16, was last seen on May 8 near his father’s apartment in the 4900 block of University Avenue NE. in Columbia Heights and reported missing four days later. In the weeks that followed, law enforcement had asked the public for help in finding Collins and a $20,000 reward was offered.

Authorities previously said the teen was missing “against his will.”

Detectives spoke with Collins’ father and continue to do so, Wise said. Law enforcement has identified a person of interest, but Wise declined to say who that is.

“This a complex, complex investigation,” he said. Finding the teen’s body was “an important step but there are lots of other forensic and medical examinations that needs to be done before we take the next steps. We will keep moving forward until we get an arrest.”

Searchers that included Hamline University forensic students, members of 30 police and fire departments and sheriff’s offices cumulatively spent 10,000 hours moving one scoop of dirt at a time and using rakes to spread it out. The FBI in Virginia sent personnel with expertise in searching landfills to aid with the search.

“It’s a sobering experience to work in a landfill only to discover someone else’s child,” Wise said.

Teams remain at the landfill to search for additional evidence, Markham said.

The coordination and resource-sharing among all agencies and volunteers have been crucial to finding Collins, said Alvin M. Winston Sr., special agent in charge of the FBI’s Minneapolis field office. “We remain dedicated to pursuing justice and will continue to work closely with our partners to ensure that the truth is uncovered and that justice is served.”

The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of the death, Wise said.

Collins was attending St. Paul Public Schools online and loved basketball, skateboarding and working out at the gym. He had gotten a job at a Planet Fitness, Berry said.

Collins had been spending time at his father’s residence to get help with math. Collins’ father had just come back into his life after a “rocky” period, Berry said.

“He had plans,” Berry said, who added that she last heard from her son at 4 a.m. May 8. Berry said Collins sent her a text message saying he was thankful for the weekly allowance she provided. “I love you and will see you soon,” she recalled the text saying.

As the investigation continues, Wise asked the public who may know anything about Collins’ movements in the days before his disappearance to come forward.

“Every available resource is being directed toward the lawful arrest of anyone responsible for Manny’s death,” Markham said.