Manny Collins Trial Update: Courtroom Chaos Over Anoka County Blood Evidence

Updated: September 22, 2026

 🏛️ Courtroom Chaos & Blood Evidence

The trial in Anoka County turned chaotic when prosecutors played body camera footage of the initial search of Jordan Collins Sr.’s Columbia Heights apartment. On screen, an officer was shown opening a plastic bag tucked in a closet, revealing a pillowcase covered in Manny’s blood.

The Gallery Outburst

As the graphic footage played, a man standing in the gallery suddenly stood up and began shouting threats directly at Collins Sr., yelling, "I’m the muscle of the family!"

• The Interruption: Court deputies immediately tackled and dragged the spectator out of the room.
• The Defendant's Reaction: Collins Sr., who is acting as his own defense attorney, remained visibly unfazed and casual.
• The Judge's Warning: Judge Deanna Street excused the jury briefly. Upon their return, she acknowledged the high emotional stakes of the case but sternly warned the gallery that any future outbursts could result in a mistrial.

🔬 Forensic Testimony & Framing Accusations

Following the outburst, a crime scene analyst testified about the shocking nature of the evidence. Investigators used a special chemical spray to detect blood that had been scrubbed off the apartment walls.

Textbook Blood Spatter

The analyst stated that the volume of blood spatter found in the bedroom was unprecedented in their career, remarking, "What we saw on that wall... I've only seen it in textbooks."

The Defense Tactic

During his cross-examination of the investigators, Collins Sr. attempted to pivot his defense by asking officers if they were familiar with people being framed for crimes or having evidence planted against them. Prosecutors quickly objected, and the judge ordered the jury to strike the comments from the record.

💔 Loved Ones Take the Stand

The afternoon shifted to emotional testimonies from Manny’s loved ones, who described Collins Sr.'s eerily detached demeanor during the weeks Manny was missing.

Desperate Voicemails

Manny's great-grandmother took the stand as prosecutors played desperate, urgent voicemails she had left for the father demanding to know, "Where is Manny?"

The Girlfriend's Testimony

Ca'Nya Williams, Manny's longtime girlfriend who used to video call him every night, testified that the father's behavior was instantly suspicious. When she called him out of genuine worry, Collins Sr. coldly brushed her off, asking, "Did you call me to provoke me?"

🔍 Background on the Case

The trial follows the horrific discovery of 16-year-old Jordan "Manny" Collins Jr.’s dismembered remains in an Elk River landfill.

The Allegations

Prosecutors allege that Collins Sr. murdered his son, dismembered him, and threw him away in the apartment building's garbage bin. Manny had moved in with his father shortly before his death to get help with his schoolwork. Because Collins Sr. opted to defer his opening statement until after the state rests its case, his formal defense strategy remains largely unknown.