Remains Found in Landfill Confirmed to Be Missing Teen from Columbia Heights

Jul 1

*Jordan Collins Jr.* ***Via Anoka County Sheriff’s Office***

Human remains located in an Elk River landfill over the weekend have been confirmed as those of 16-year-old Jordan “Manny” Collins Jr., who had been missing since May 8 from Columbia Heights.

Authorities announced the discovery Tuesday morning, nearly two months after Collins was last seen near the 4900 block of University Avenue Northeast.

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A search at the Waste Management landfill began on June 4 after investigators received a tip that led them to believe his body had been disposed of in a dumpster. That search continued for nearly four weeks until remains were discovered on Saturday, June 28.

PREVIOUSLY: Police Searching Landfill in Connection to Missing Anoka County Teen

Anoka County investigators, with assistance from the Columbia Heights Police Department, Minnesota BCA, FBI, and other partner agencies, coordinated the extensive search effort at the landfill. Northstar Search and Rescue had also been involved in early search efforts near where Collins was last seen.

Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise said during Tuesday’s briefing that the search at the Elk River landfill lasted four weeks, with teams sifting through an estimated 180,000 cubic feet of debris using rakes. He explained that investigators began searching the site after receiving video evidence indicating Collins’ body may have been placed in a dumpster in Columbia Heights.

Collins’ family reported him missing on May 8, and authorities said at the time that there had been no activity on his phone or social media accounts since that day. Investigators had asked nearby residents and businesses to review surveillance footage from May 8 to May 12 for signs of Collins or anything unusual. A person of interest had been identified early in the case, though no arrests or charges have been announced as of Tuesday.

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According to the Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office, the cause and manner of death remain under investigation. Officials say they believe Collins likely died sometime between May 8 and May 13.

Authorities are continuing to investigate and are asking anyone with information to contact the BCA tip line at 1-877-996-6222 or email bca.tips@state.mn.us.

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