The murder trial of Jordan Dupree Collins Sr., who is accused of killing his 16-year-old son, Jordan “Manny” Collins Jr., is moving into opening statements Friday in Anoka County.
Collins Sr. faces one count of second-degree murder and is representing himself in court. Jury selection took place earlier this week as prosecutors and the defense prepared for a case expected to include testimony from dozens of witnesses.
Manny Collins was last known to be alive on May 8, 2025, near his father’s apartment in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. His mother, Ashley Berry, reported him missing four days later after the family lost contact with him.
The search continued for weeks before investigators were led to an Elk River landfill. Manny’s remains were eventually recovered there on June 28, more than a month after he disappeared. The discovery brought the missing-person investigation into a homicide case involving his father.
According to the criminal complaint, investigators found blood inside Collins Sr.’s apartment that was determined to match Manny. The complaint also describes other evidence recovered during the investigation. An autopsy found evidence indicating that Manny had suffered a fatal knife injury, according to court documents.
Collins Sr. was arrested shortly after his son’s remains were found. Prosecutors have previously said he had cash with him and appeared to be preparing to leave Minnesota. He has remained in custody while the case moved through the court system.
The trial is expected to last roughly three weeks, with as many as 90 witnesses potentially taking the stand. Those expected to testify include members of Manny’s family as well as people connected to the landfill search.
For Manny’s family, the trial represents another step in a case that began with a missing-person search and ended with the discovery of his remains.
His mother has continued to keep his memory alive through the Manny’s Way Foundation, an organization created after his death. She has described Manny as someone who enjoyed helping others and wanted to give back to people in his community.
The prosecution will present its case first. Collins Sr. has chosen not to give an opening statement at the start of the trial and plans to wait until the state has finished presenting its evidence before making his opening statement, according to court documents.
The case remains pending, and the murder charge against Collins Sr. is an allegation. The prosecution must prove its case in court beyond a reasonable doubt.
