Jordan Collins Jr. dies in fatal Columbia Heights homicide

Jordan Collins Jr. dies in fatal Columbia Heights homicide

Fatal Columbia Heights homicide death of Jordan Collins Jr.

The Columbia Heights Police Department and Anoka County Sheriff’s Office revealed Tuesday that human remains discovered over the weekend belong to 16-year-old Jordan Collins Jr., who was widely known as “Manny” by his acquaintances and relatives. His disappearance commenced on May 8, with his final known whereabouts near the 4900 block of University Avenue NE in Columbia Heights.

In a unified statement, the agencies conveyed their sympathies to his mother, family members, and close associates amid this sorrowful situation.

The Midwest Medical Examiner’s Office is still figuring out how Mr. Collins died. Ongoing investigations are being handled by the Columbia Heights Police Department, Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The search for the missing youth prompted a wide-ranging effort that involved authorities from local, state, and federal levels. Investigators conducted interviews with many people, collected trace evidence, and performed ground searches in the vicinity where he was last spotted. A person deemed significant in the case was identified early on, but no one has been arrested yet.

The probe then shifted to the Elk River Landfill, with search operations beginning again on June 18 after being stopped by unsafe weather conditions. Detectives are also examining digital evidence and are continuing to pursue new information.

Since the start of May, law enforcement agencies have been asking residents and business operators in the area around University Avenue NE to look through security camera footage from May 8 to May 12 and to report any suspicious actions to them.

Further details are planned to be shared during a scheduled news conference on Tuesday at 10 a.m.

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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.

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