Community Plea Grows for Missing Columbia Heights Teen Jordan “Manny” Collins Jr.

A person of interest has been established in the disappearance of Manny Collins; however, no one has been arrested or formally charged.

Manny, described as a kind-hearted, thoughtful, and goal-driven teen, is 5’8” tall, weighs about 140 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a white ribbed tank top and red-and-black plaid pants.

May 28, 2025 – It’s been nearly three weeks since 16-year-old Jordan “Manny” Collins Jr. vanished. With each passing day, concern deepens for the Columbia Heights teenager last seen on May 8th near the 4900 block of University Avenue NE.

“My son's been missing for 20 days, and it's been the worst 20 days of my life,” said Ashley Berry. “
It's like a nightmare that I can't wake up from.”

At a press conference today, law enforcement and Manny’s mother issued an appeal for public assistance in finding him.

Authorities confirmed he has not used his phone or social media since early May 8. His last known contact with family was at 4:02 a.m. that morning, when he responded to his mother’s allowance message with: “Thank you, Mom. I appreciate you. I love you. I’ll see you soon.”

A Disappearance That Doesn’t Make Sense

“This is unlike him,” said Ashley, speaking through tears. “He didn’t run away. There were no arguments. He had plans. He had goals. He just got a job at Planet Fitness. This just doesn’t make sense.”

Manny had been staying with his father temporarily to focus on school. He was enrolled in an online program with Saint Paul Public Schools and was seeking academic support, particularly in math. “That’s why he went to his dad’s,” Ashley said. “They had their differences, but he looked up to him.”

Ashley then pleaded directly to her son: "Manny, if you’re somewhere and you can hear this, just know that I love you. You got a lot of people looking for you. I need you to get home.”

“We Fear Worse”

Anoka County Sheriff Brad Wise and Columbia Heights Police Chief Matt Markham confirmed the investigation is now a joint effort involving local, state, and federal agencies—including the FBI, Minnesota BCA, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and North Star Search and Rescue.

“This is not a runaway situation,” Sheriff Wise said firmly. “We believe his disappearance is against his will. We fear worse.”

Law enforcement has conducted interviews and searched multiple areas near 49th and University Avenue NE. Forensic evidence has been collected and testing is ongoing. The community is being urged to review any security footage from May 8–12, particularly in the vicinity of the last known location, and to report anything unusual they may have seen or heard.

Details That Raise Questions

Sheriff Wise revealed investigators have identified a person of interest in the case. “This individual has not been cooperative,” he said, adding that details are being closely guarded to protect the integrity of the investigation.

Law enforcement emphasized that Manny’s disappearance appears to be an isolated and targeted incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.

“We’re not ruling anything out,” said Wise. “But this is very specific to Manny.”

Ashley made a public appeal for Manny’s father to speak out, noting that his son had been staying with him before he vanished. “I’m praying he comes forward. I need him to help.”

How You Can Help

Law enforcement is asking anyone living or working near the 4900 block of University Ave NE to check their property for any suspicious items. Additionally, anyone in this area with home or business surveillance footage showing Manny, or any other suspicious footage, between May 8-12, 2025, is asked to submit the videos/photos to an evidence portal for processing.

Tips may be submitted to the BCA Resource Line at 1-877-996-6222 or bca.tips@state.mn.us.

Ashley Berry and her son, Jordan “Manny” Collins Jr.