Incident Overview

Authorities in Louisiana have leveled new murder charges against Danette Colbert, a 45-year-old woman associated with the death of 27-year-old Adan Manzano, a Telemundo sports reporter. Manzano was found deceased in a hotel on February 5 while in New Orleans for the Super Bowl.

Details Surrounding Manzano’s Death

Adan Manzano was discovered unresponsive in his hotel room at the Comfort Suites in Kenner. An autopsy revealed that he had a mix of Xanax and alcohol in his system. Notably, he was found face-down on a pillow with no lividity observed around his nose and mouth, leading investigators to view the circumstances as unusual.

The coroner classified his manner of death as undetermined, raising questions about the events leading to his demise.

Charges Against Suspects

Colbert, who has a history of criminal behavior, including robbery and fraud, was arrested shortly after Manzano’s body was found. She has been charged with second-degree murder following the accumulation of evidence suggesting her involvement in Manzano’s death. It is believed that she may have drugged him as part of a scheme to steal his financial information.

Ricky White, described as her accomplice, was apprehended in Florida and faces multiple charges, including robbery and fraud.

Investigation Insights

According to police, Manzano and Colbert met in the French Quarter shortly before returning to his hotel around 4:30 a.m. on the day of his death. Security footage captures the two entering the hotel, but further recordings show no sight of Manzano after this initial encounter.

Investigators located one of Manzano’s missing credit cards, which has led them to link Colbert to other similar incidents of drugging and theft in both New Orleans and Las Vegas.

Community Impact and Remembrance

Telemundo 39 acknowledged Manzano’s contributions and impact, describing him as a talented professional and a promising journalist. The station expressed its sorrow over his untimely death, emphasizing how much he will be missed.

Ongoing Investigation

Law enforcement officials urge anyone with additional information related to Colbert or any of her alleged crimes to come forward, stressing the importance of gathering more evidence as the investigation continues. Police Chief Keith Conley has expressed a firm stance on preventing Colbert from “seeing the light of day again,” underscoring the severity of the charges brought against her.