Manny Collins' mother is breaking her silence for the first time since his father was charged in his death.
Speaking outside the governor's residence, Manny's mother, Ashley Berry, recalls her son as a loving and family-oriented kid, saying she ultimately hopes justice can be served in the case against Manny's father.
"I never saw them signs," says Berry. "I've known this guy since I was 14-years old, and I'm going to try to get him a little benefit of the doubt. He loved his son. I let him live out in California with him for years. He picked him up from my house and dropped him back off. It was never no, I would never let him go over there."
Jordan Collins Sr. has been charged with one count of second degree murder. He was arrested on Monday and is currently being held at the Anoka County Jail on a $2 million bond.
His next court date has been scheduled for August 4.
16-year old Manny Collins disappeared May 8. He was staying with his father at the time. After searching the Elk River landfill for weeks, his body was discovered last weekend.
Authorities say they had video evidence that suggested the remains were taken to that landfill.
The criminal complaint from Anoka County lays out in some graphic detail the evidence collected in the Columbia Heights home of Collins, including blood stained garbage bags, blood on the bedroom wall, missing pieces of Manny Collins' mattress and carpet in his bedroom, along with several knives in the bedroom closet.