Jordan Dupree Collins Sr. was convicted of second-degree murder Wednesday in the killing of his 16-year-old son, Jordan “Manny” Collins. The teenager disappeared after visiting his father’s apartment in Columbia Heights in May 2025, and his remains were later found in an Elk River landfill. Collins represented himself during the trial and has remained in custody since his arrest in July 2025. He is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2, 2026.
| 1) | Teenager disappears after visiting his father |
| 2) | Police find suspected blood evidence |
| 3) | Search leads investigators to an Elk River landfill |
| 4) | Medical examiner determines likely cause of death |
| 5) | Conviction brings case toward sentencing |
Teenager disappears after visiting his father
Jordan “Manny” Collins, 16, went to his father’s apartment in Columbia Heights in May 2025 and was not heard from again. His mother, Ashley Berry, and his girlfriend told investigators that they last communicated with him during the early morning hours of May 8.
According to the criminal complaint, Collins told Berry that Manny had left the apartment during the afternoon of May 8 to travel to St. Paul to visit his girlfriend and grandmother. The girlfriend later told police that Manny had not said he planned to visit during their last video call. The conflicting accounts prompted further investigation into his disappearance.
Police find suspected blood evidence
Investigators obtained a search warrant for Collins’ apartment on May 15, about a week after the teenager vanished. Police reported finding garbage bags containing items with apparent blood staining in a closet in the living room.
DNA testing later confirmed that the blood belonged to Manny. The evidence connected the apartment to the missing teenager and became part of the case against his father. Collins was later arrested and ultimately chose to represent himself at trial.
Search leads investigators to an Elk River landfill
In early June 2025, local law enforcement agencies, the FBI and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension began an extensive search of a landfill in Elk River. Investigators undertook the search after surveillance video showed a garbage truck emptying a dumpster located behind Collins’ apartment.
The operation continued until June 28, 2025, when investigators recovered Manny’s body. The discovery ended weeks of uncertainty for the family but confirmed that the teenager had died after his disappearance from the apartment.
Medical examiner determines likely cause of death
An autopsy determined that Manny was likely decapitated with a knife. The medical finding added a significant detail to the investigation while authorities continued building the homicide case.
“Manny should still be here today. No verdict can remove the pain his loved ones feel, but we hope this decision provides some measure of justice.”
The statement came from Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise, who also expressed sympathy for Manny’s family, particularly his mother. Berry had previously described her son as someone who was always helping others, spreading kindness and lifting up those around him.
Conviction brings case toward sentencing
A jury found Collins guilty of second-degree murder on October 7, 2026, following a trial in which he represented himself. He had been in custody since his arrest on July 7, 2025, in connection with his son’s death.
The conviction establishes Collins’ criminal responsibility under the charge decided by the jury. The court is scheduled to sentence him on December 2, 2026. Until sentencing, the case remains focused on the penalty to be imposed for the conviction.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | A Minnesota father was convicted of second-degree murder in his son’s death. |
| 2 | Manny disappeared after visiting his father’s Columbia Heights apartment on May 8, 2025. |
| 3 | Investigators found blood evidence in the apartment and later recovered the teen’s body from an Elk River landfill. |
| 4 | Sentencing is scheduled for December 2, 2026. |
Summary
The conviction closes the trial phase of a case that began with Manny’s disappearance in May 2025. Investigators traced evidence from his father’s apartment to a landfill search that recovered his remains, while the autopsy identified a likely fatal knife attack. Collins will return to court for sentencing in December.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was convicted in the case?
Jordan Dupree Collins Sr. was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of his 16-year-old son, Jordan “Manny” Collins.
When did Manny Collins disappear?
Manny disappeared after visiting his father’s apartment in Columbia Heights on May 8, 2025. His mother and girlfriend said they last communicated with him in the early morning hours of that day.
Where were his remains found?
Investigators recovered Manny’s body from a landfill in Elk River on June 28, 2025, after surveillance footage indicated that a dumpster behind Collins’ apartment had been emptied there.
When is the sentencing scheduled?
Collins is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2, 2026.
