A Minnesota father, Jordan Dupree Collins Sr., is facing second-degree murder charges after his 16-year-old son, Jordan Collins Jr., was found dead in a landfill following weeks of searching.
Collins Jr., known as “Manny,” had been missing for over a month before his body was discovered, and authorities now suspect his father’s involvement in the crime.
The Disappearance of Jordan Collins Jr.
Jordan Collins Jr. was last seen on May 8, 2024, when he was staying with his father in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. His mother, Ashley Berry, lost contact with him, and after several days without communication, she reported him missing on May 12. Authorities launched an investigation and began searching for the teenager.
Discovery of the Body
After weeks of searching, Collins Jr.’s body was found on June 28, 2024, in a landfill in Elk River, Minnesota, located about 30 minutes from Columbia Heights.
Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise confirmed the discovery in a July 1 press conference and stated that they were speaking with the father, Jordan Dupree Collins Sr., although no details were provided at that time. Collins Sr. was arrested six days later and charged with second-degree murder.
Evidence of Foul Play and Decapitation
A criminal complaint filed on July 3 revealed troubling details about Collins Jr.’s death. The complaint stated that there was “evidence of decapitation by knife,” and authorities confirmed that his death was a homicide.
Investigators found blood stains and other incriminating evidence at Collins Sr.’s apartment, including butcher-style knives in his bedroom closet, as well as a mattress and carpet that appeared to be cut up.
Collins Sr. initially claimed that his son had left his apartment on May 8 to visit his grandmother and girlfriend. However, his son’s girlfriend later denied this, casting doubt on his version of events. Collins Sr. also claimed the knives were used for butchering goats and sheep, a statement that has raised further suspicions.
Investigating the Disappearance
On May 13, authorities reviewed a video that suggested Collins Jr.’s body may have been placed in a dumpster, which was then picked up by a garbage truck.
This led investigators to focus their search on a landfill in Elk River. Hundreds of people from over 30 agencies participated in the extensive search, which covered a vast area of nearly 180,000 cubic feet of waste. After around 10,000 hours of work, Collins Jr.’s body was finally found.
The Impact on the Family
Collins Jr.’s mother, Ashley Berry, had expressed her fears for her son’s safety in an interview in early June. When asked if she thought her son was OK, she tearfully responded, “No.”
Her skepticism grew as time passed, and she said she felt that “other people know that as well.” Prior to the discovery of her son’s body, she had been tirelessly working to find him, posting flyers, sharing his story, and following up on leads. She later described how her life had been “turned upside down” by the disappearance.
Motive and Investigation
The motive behind Collins Jr.’s death remains unclear, and the investigation is ongoing. At this time, authorities have not disclosed any concrete reasons for the alleged murder.
However, the evidence uncovered during the investigation, including blood stains and the presence of knives, strongly points to foul play. Collins Sr. is being held in the Anoka County Jail on a $3 million bond, with his next court date scheduled for August 4, 2024.
The case of Jordan Collins Jr.’s death is both heartbreaking and disturbing. The tragic loss of a young life at the hands of his own father has left the community in shock. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover more details surrounding the motive and circumstances that led to Collins Jr.’s murder.
The case highlights the pain and suffering that families experience when they lose a loved one in such a violent and senseless way.
