The mother of Manny Collins is bracing herself today, as the father of her murdered child is in court.
"I'm trying my best. I've been - I still have a lot of support."
Despite trying her best Ashley Berry is still in agony after the murder of her only child, 16-year-old Manny Collins.
On July 1, after weeks of searching, law enforcement reported Collins' body was discovered at a landfill in Elk River. He had been missing since May 8.
The criminal complaint states the autopsy findings indicate "evidence of decapitation."
"It's hard to try to to think about stuff because it's just, you know, I get panic attacks," she explained to WCCO's Susie Jones.
Berry says she hasn't had a service for Manny yet, as authorities have not yet released his body. She called Manny an "old soul" and Berry says she hopes her son receives the justice that he deserves.
Manny Collins' father, 38-year-old Jordan Collins Sr., is charged with one count of second-degree murder in Anoka County.
"It's torture, it is. It's hard to breathe fully, I still haven't had a service yet," Berry said when asked what the last month has been like.
Jordan Collins Sr. is currently being held at the Anoka County Jail on a $2 million bond. Tuesday's court appearance is an omnibus hearing, which settles legal questions and issues with admitted evidence ahead of the trial.