NEW ORLEANS — The death of a 27-year-old sports reporter covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans has led to the arrest of a Louisiana woman with a criminal history of drugging and robbing victims, authorities said.
Adan Manzano, a sports anchor and reporter for Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports, was found unresponsive in his hotel room at a Comfort Suites in Kenner, Louisiana, on the morning of February 5. Police were called to the scene after Manzano failed to appear for scheduled coverage ahead of Sunday’s NFL championship game.
Investigators quickly identified a suspect after reviewing hotel surveillance footage, which showed a woman, later identified as Danette Colbert, entering Manzano’s hotel room with him and leaving alone hours later. Detectives said Manzano’s credit card and cell phone were missing from the room and were later recovered from Colbert’s residence in Slidell, a suburb of New Orleans.
Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley announced Colbert’s arrest on Thursday.
“Right now, the only confirmed crimes are property-related,” Conley said at a press briefing Friday. “However, given Ms. Colbert’s record and the circumstances of Mr. Manzano’s death, we are pursuing all leads, and additional charges may be forthcoming.”
A Rising Star in Sports Journalism
Manzano was regarded as a promising young journalist. Telemundo Kansas City released a statement saying, “We will deeply miss Adan and his passion for sports, and the contributions he made to the local community.”
Manzano’s death adds another layer of tragedy to his young family’s story. Local outlets reported that his wife, Ashleigh Boyd, was killed in a car accident last April, leaving Manzano to raise their 2-year-old daughter alone.
Suspect’s Criminal History Raises Concerns
Colbert, 48, has a lengthy criminal record, including arrests for drugging and robbing victims. According to Kenner Police, she had prior charges in Las Vegas for allegedly drugging a man and stealing $50,000 from his accounts, as well as a 2014 arrest in New Orleans for second-degree battery and witness intimidation.
Authorities are investigating whether drugs played a role in Manzano’s death. The coroner’s office has not yet released an official cause, pending toxicology results.
Colbert faces charges of bank and computer fraud, illegal transmission of monetary funds, access device fraud, and purse snatching. Prosecutors say they are reviewing the case and will determine whether further charges will be filed based on the autopsy findings.
Ongoing Investigation
“This is a tragic case that highlights the dangers of encountering predatory individuals,” said Chief Conley. “We are committed to ensuring justice for Mr. Manzano and his family.”
The investigation remains active, and authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward.
This story will be updated as more details emerge.
