Body Of Missing MN Teen ‘Manny’ Collins Found

COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MN — The search for 16-year-old Jordan Collins Jr., known by friends and family as "Manny," has ended in tragedy.

The Columbia Heights Police Department and Anoka County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that human remains discovered over the weekend have been identified as Manny. He had been missing since May 8, when he was last seen near the 4900 block of University Avenue NE in Columbia Heights.

"We wish to express our condolences to his mother, family, and loved ones during this tragic time," the agencies said in a joint statement.

The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office will determine the cause of death. The Columbia Heights Police Department, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the FBI are continuing to investigate.

Manny’s disappearance triggered an extensive search effort involving local, state, and federal agencies. Investigators interviewed numerous individuals, collected forensic evidence, and conducted ground searches near the area where he was last seen. A person of interest was identified early in the case, though no arrests have been made.

The investigation later expanded to the Elk River Landfill, where search operations resumed on June 18 after delays caused by unsafe weather conditions. Detectives have also been analyzing digital evidence and continue to follow up on new tips.

Since May, law enforcement has urged residents and business owners near University Avenue NE to review surveillance footage from May 8 to May 12 and report any suspicious activity.

More details are expected during a news conference scheduled for Tuesday at 10 a.m.