In a shocking turn of events, Louisiana police have newly charged 48-year-old Danette Colbert with second-degree murder connected to the death of Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old Telemundo sports reporter who tragically passed away while covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans this past February. Manzano’s remains were discovered under suspicious circumstances in his hotel room, sparking immediate investigations that have now yielded grave implications for Colbert, known by her moniker, the “Bourbon Street Hustler.”
Manzano was found in his room at the Comfort Suites hotel in Kenner on February 5, 2025, just hours after he had been out with friends in the French Quarter. The young reporter was in town to cover Super Bowl LIX. Autopsy results later revealed that Manzano had both Xanax—a powerful anti-anxiety medication—and alcohol in his system, raising red flags regarding the circumstances of his death. Authorities established that he had died from the combined toxic effects of these substances, alongside “positional asphyxia,” discovered when he was found face-down in a pillow.
Colbert was initially arrested two days later, on February 7, on several charges, including theft and fraud, after investigators found that she had allegedly used Manzano’s stolen credit cards. Surveillance video from the hotel lobby captured the last moments of Manzano’s life, showing him entering his room with Colbert around 4:30 a.m. and her leaving alone shortly after. Police Chief Keith Conley noted in a press conference, “They came back to the hotel... at which time we do have surveillance video showing them going into [Manzano's] room.” Investigators believe Colbert’s intention was not only to rob him but also to incapacitate him.
While initial autopsy results left investigators with mixed conclusions regarding the cause of death, the recent confirmation of the toxic effects has intensified the murder charge against Colbert. Police Chief Conley reported on March 18, 2025, that new evidence gathered led to the elevation of Colbert's charges. This move underscores the severity of the allegations when the report confirmed that the combination of Xanax and alcohol posed a lethal risk that Manzano was unknowingly subject to. Colbert’s past, fraught with criminal activities related to drugging and robbing victims, further compounds the gravity of the charges.
Authorities also took Colbert's alleged accomplice, 34-year-old Ricky White, into custody on March 14 in Florida. White is facing similar charges related to fraud and robbery in connection with Manzano's death. This apprehension adds another layer to the complex investigation, suggesting a wider network of criminal activity that could extend beyond this tragic incident.
Details from Colbert’s history—dubbed the “Bourbon Street Hustler”—paint a picture of someone repeatedly involved in drugging men and then robbing them. Known for her manipulative tactics, police suggest that she may have targeted Manzano intentionally. “The men become incapacitated by some manner, at which time they lose all their money, their property,” Chief Conley explained, regarding how Colbert operates. Authorities suspect she may also be tied to the death of a Maryland man, John Jenkins, found dead in similar circumstances in December, further complicating her legal situation.
The Kenner Police Department is currently seeking additional information on Colbert's whereabouts and actions before Manzano's death to establish a comprehensive timeline. The chief emphasized the need for collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to fully understand the extent of Colbert's alleged criminal enterprise. This proactive approach indicates that, although some time has passed since these events, authorities remain vigilant and committed to bringing closure to the case.
The news of Adan Manzano's death shocked his colleagues at Telemundo, who described him as a “true professional and a rising star who exemplified excellence in his work.” They expressed their sorrow and lamented the loss of a dedicated journalist who made significant contributions to the community he served. Family and friends are still reeling from the loss, contemplating the tragic events that have unraveled since that fateful day in February.
As this case progresses through the legal system, its implications reach far beyond the individuals involved. The narrative surrounding a dangerous cycle of deceit and crime highlights critical issues about safety and awareness in the entertainment and journalism industries. Onlookers are left to question: how many lives must be affected before the cycle is broken?
While Colbert awaits her trial, she remains in custody without bond due to the severity of the charges against her. The case has garnered public attention due to its tragic nature and the gruesome details that continue to unfold. People from all walks of life are following this story closely, eager to see how justice will serve the memory of Adan Manzano.
As the investigation remains ongoing, authorities urge anyone with information surrounding this case to step forward to assist not only in clarifying the circumstances surrounding the reporter's death but also in preventing future tragic occurrences initiated by individuals with similar patterns of criminal behavior.
