The tragic death of Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old sports journalist from Telemundo Kansas City, has sent shockwaves through the media and law enforcement communities. Found unresponsive in a Kenner, Louisiana hotel room, Manzano’s passing is now linked to Danette Colbert, a 48-year-old woman from Slidell, Louisiana, who has been arrested in connection with his death. This shocking case raises many questions about Colbert’s past, her alleged criminal activities, and the mysterious circumstances surrounding Manzano’s untimely demise.
Adan Manzano’s Tragic Death: What We Know So Far
On February 6, Manzano was discovered unconscious in his New Orleans-area hotel room, just days before the Super Bowl, which he was covering as a sports journalist. The young and talented reporter had traveled from Kansas City to New Orleans to provide pre-game coverage and was scheduled to return home shortly after. However, his life was tragically cut short, leading to an ongoing investigation that has revealed shocking details.
Police say Manzano’s body showed no immediate signs of trauma, and an official autopsy and toxicology report are pending. The circumstances, however, became more suspicious when authorities discovered that someone had used Manzano’s credit cards after his death. This led them to a woman who had allegedly been seen entering and leaving his hotel room.
Who is Danette Colbert?
Danette Colbert is a Louisiana woman with a long criminal history that includes fraud, theft, and drug-related crimes. She has reportedly targeted men in the past, drugging them and stealing their belongings. The 48-year-old career criminal was quickly identified as a suspect in Manzano’s case when police tracked transactions made using his stolen credit cards.
Surveillance footage from the Kenner hotel revealed that Colbert was the last person seen with Manzano. She allegedly entered his room and left about an hour later, alone. Shortly after, she began using his credit cards at multiple stores throughout the New Orleans area. Police obtained a search warrant for her residence, where they found Manzano’s phone, credit cards, narcotics, and a stolen firearm.
The Investigation: What Police Have Uncovered
The Kenner Police Department has classified the investigation as “suspicious,” given the circumstances surrounding Manzano’s death and Colbert’s criminal history. Detectives believe that Manzano may have been drugged before his death, a tactic that Colbert has been accused of using before.
Colbert was taken into custody and charged with multiple felonies, including:
- Unauthorized use of a credit card
- Theft
- Possession of stolen property
- Possession of narcotics
- Possession of a stolen firearm
While she remains in custody, authorities are waiting for toxicology results to determine whether Manzano was drugged. If those results indicate that drugs were involved in his death, Colbert could face even more serious charges, including homicide.
A History of Crime: Danette Colbert’s Past Arrests
This is not the first time Colbert has been linked to crimes involving drugs, theft, and fraud. She has an extensive criminal record dating back at least a decade, with multiple arrests for similar offenses.
In 2012, Colbert was accused of drugging and robbing men in New Orleans. Victims reported waking up disoriented and missing valuables after encountering her at bars and clubs.
In 2016, she was arrested for credit card fraud after allegedly stealing a man’s wallet in Bourbon Street and attempting to use his credit card at a Walmart in Kenner.
Despite these multiple arrests, Colbert had remained free, managing to avoid long-term jail time—until now.
The Impact on the Journalism Community
Adan Manzano was a rising star in sports journalism, admired by his colleagues and viewers for his passion, dedication, and storytelling skills. His tragic death has left his family, friends, and co-workers devastated.
Adding to the heartbreak, Manzano had already suffered a personal loss just a year earlier. Reports indicate that his wife died in a car accident, leaving him to raise their young daughter alone. His unexpected death has now left the child without both parents, an unimaginable tragedy.
What Happens Next?
The case remains open and ongoing, with authorities continuing their investigation into the exact cause of Manzano’s death. The key pieces of evidence will come from:
- Toxicology reports, which will confirm whether Manzano was drugged.
- Security footage, which might provide clues on what happened inside the hotel room.
- Colbert’s criminal background, which may reveal a pattern of similar crimes.
If it is determined that Colbert drugged and caused Manzano’s death, she could face additional charges, including manslaughter or second-degree murder.
Final Thoughts: Justice for Adan Manzano
The tragic death of Adan Manzano is not just a personal loss for his family and colleagues but also a chilling reminder of the dangers that lurk in seemingly everyday interactions. The arrest of Danette Colbert has brought some answers but has also raised many more questions.
- Was Manzano specifically targeted, or was this a random act?
- How many more victims has Colbert had over the years?
- Could this crime have been prevented if Colbert had been behind bars sooner?
As the investigation unfolds, the world is watching closely, hoping for justice for Adan Manzano and his grieving family. The sports journalism community has lost a bright young talent, and now, the legal system must ensure that his tragic death does not go unanswered.
