On Tuesday, March 18, 2025, authorities announced that a Louisiana woman, Danette Colbert, 48, who was originally facing fraud and other charges in connection with the death of sports reporter Adan Manzano, has officially been charged with second-degree murder. The new charge comes after police investigations and autopsy results determined that Colbert allegedly played a significant role in Manzano’s death.
Adan Manzano, 27, was a sports reporter for the local Telemundo station in Kansas City. He had traveled to New Orleans to cover Super Bowl LIX when he was found dead in his hotel room on February 5, 2025, during Super Bowl Week. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley provided details during a news conference, stating that Colbert was seen with Manzano at his hotel in Kenner days before the Super Bowl. Surveillance video showed them entering his room early in the morning of his death and Colbert leaving alone shortly thereafter.
During the press conference, Chief Conley made a shocking remark: “We don’t want Ms. Colbert to see the light of day again.” His statement was a reflection of the police’s strong belief that Colbert had intentionally drugged Manzano to rob him, a pattern consistent with her alleged history of criminal behavior, including previously drugging other men and committing theft.
Jefferson Parish Coroner Gerald Cvitanovich later announced that Manzano died from the “combined toxic effects” of alprazolam—commonly known as Xanax—and alcohol, in addition to positional asphyxia, which was noted as a factor since he was found face down on a pillow. Toxicology reports indicated that Manzano's blood alcohol content was .232, nearly three times Florida's legal limit for driving. This combination of high alcohol levels and alprazolam proved fatal, raising serious questions about the circumstances leading to his death.
Further complicating the investigation, Colbert's accomplice, 34-year-old Rickey White, was arrested in South Florida the previous week. White has been charged with various crimes including simple robbery, access device fraud, illegal transmission of monetary funds, bank fraud, and computer fraud. Police stated that there is evidence suggesting that White and Colbert were working in concert, with police finding correspondence linking the two in relation to the case.
Colbert’s troubles date back to before this incident; at the time of Manzano’s death, she was already serving a 10-year suspended sentence for the 2021 drugging and robbery of another man, highlighting an alarming trend in her behavior patterns. After her initial arrest on February 6, police discovered Manzano’s cell phone and credit card at Colbert’s home, which compounded the evidence against her.
During the press conference, the police chief explained the future challenges of the case: “We recognize it’s going to be a circumstantial case.” However, he noted that the signing of a probable cause affidavit for second-degree murder was a promising development in their pursuit of justice. The circumstances surrounding her initial charges have now escalated to allegations that implicate her directly in the death of a 27-year-old man, who had been promising in his career.
As detectives continue to investigate, they are aiming to clarify exactly how Colbert's actions led to Manzano's demise. Coroner Cvitanovich emphasized that the manner of death remains “undetermined,” which allows for various interpretations but also indicates the complexity of the case at hand.
With both Colbert and White in custody—Colbert at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center—the pressure is mounting for law enforcement to build a robust case that connects all dots effectively. Conley stated that the police are committed to ensuring that justice is served, particularly for Manzano's family, who are left mourning the tragic loss of a young life.
The arrest and charges against Danette Colbert have brought attention to the potential dangers surrounding drug use and the sinister potential of exploiting individuals for financial gain. As more details continue to unfold, the community and media remain vigilant, looking for justice in this disturbing case.
In summation, the charges against Colbert have transformed, and the implications of her actions paint a dire picture of complicity in a tragic death. As we await further developments, the primary focus shifts to the legal proceedings ahead and the hope for resolution in a case that has captivated and horrified many.
