Second Suspect Charged with Murder in Death of Kansas City Reporter During Super Bowl Coverage
Kenner, Louisiana – Authorities have levied a second-degree murder charge against Rickey White in connection with the death of Adan Manzano, a Kansas City-based reporter who was in New Orleans to cover Super Bowl festivities in February. The Kenner Police Department announced that an arrest warrant was secured for White, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation surrounding Manzano’s untimely passing.
White has been in custody at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center following his arrest on March 14 at a La Quinta Inn in Hollywood, Florida. The arrest was a collaborative effort between the U.S. Marshals and the Hollywood Police Department. Prior to the murder charge, White faced a string of charges, including simple robbery, access device fraud, illegal transmission of monetary funds, bank fraud, and computer fraud. These initial charges suggested a pattern of criminal activity that has now culminated in a much more serious accusation.
The first suspect, Danette Colbert, was arrested in March and also charged with second-degree murder in connection with Manzano’s death. Colbert’s arrest stemmed from video surveillance footage taken at the Kenner Comfort Suites hotel, where Manzano was last seen. The footage allegedly showed Colbert and Manzano together in a hotel room around 5 a.m. on February 5, the day Manzano died. Colbert was later seen leaving the room alone later that morning.
The circumstances surrounding Manzano’s death have been shrouded in ambiguity. The official cause of death was determined to be the combined toxic effects of Xanax and alcohol intoxication, exacerbated by positional asphyxia. The manner of death, however, remains undetermined, leaving open the possibility of foul play, accidental overdose, or other factors. Manzano was discovered face down on a pillow, and his blood alcohol level registered at .232, nearly three times the legal limit in Louisiana. This level of intoxication, coupled with the presence of Xanax, paints a picture of a potentially vulnerable individual.
Adding to the intrigue, Manzano’s cellphone and credit card were discovered during a search of Colbert’s residence in Slidell. The credit card was reportedly used fraudulently at several businesses in the New Orleans area after Manzano’s death. This discovery further implicated Colbert in potential crimes related to Manzano’s demise. Colbert also faces a state felony charge of possession of a stolen firearm, which was discovered during the same search. While authorities have stated that they don’t believe the firearm is directly connected to Manzano’s death, its presence raises questions about Colbert’s potential involvement in other criminal activities.
The arrest of Rickey White on second-degree murder charges significantly broadens the scope of the investigation. It suggests that authorities believe more than one individual may have been involved in Manzano’s death, potentially altering the narrative of the events leading up to it. The relationship between White and Colbert, if any, and their potential motives for targeting Manzano are key areas of focus for investigators.
The Kenner Police Department has remained tight-lipped about specific details of the investigation, citing the ongoing nature of the case. However, the decision to charge White with murder indicates that they have uncovered substantial evidence linking him to Manzano’s death. This evidence could include witness testimonies, forensic findings, or other forms of corroboration that establish a connection between White and the events that transpired at the Kenner Comfort Suites hotel.
The investigation faces several challenges, including unraveling the exact sequence of events that led to Manzano’s death, determining the extent of Colbert and White’s involvement, and establishing a clear motive. The toxicology report, while providing a cause of death, leaves open the question of how Manzano ingested the combination of Xanax and alcohol. Was it self-administered, or was he given it without his knowledge or consent? The answer to this question could significantly impact the legal ramifications for Colbert and White.
Furthermore, the positional asphyxia finding suggests that Manzano’s position may have contributed to his death. Whether this was intentional or accidental is another crucial element that investigators are working to determine. If it can be proven that Colbert or White deliberately placed Manzano in a position that restricted his breathing, it could strengthen the case for second-degree murder.
The fraudulent use of Manzano’s credit card after his death also raises questions about potential financial motives. Did Colbert and White conspire to steal Manzano’s belongings and profit from his death? If so, it could provide further evidence of their intent and culpability.
The case has garnered significant attention in both Kansas City and New Orleans, due to Manzano’s profession as a journalist and the circumstances surrounding his death. The Super Bowl, a major national event, served as the backdrop for this tragic incident, adding to the public interest and scrutiny.
The families of both Manzano and the accused are undoubtedly experiencing immense emotional distress as they navigate this complex legal process. The pursuit of justice for Manzano will likely be a long and arduous journey, requiring meticulous investigation, careful analysis of evidence, and ultimately, a determination by the courts.
The Kenner Police Department has stated that no further comments will be made at this time, emphasizing the need to protect the integrity of the investigation. As the case progresses, more details are expected to emerge, shedding light on the events that led to Manzano’s death and the roles played by Colbert and White. The legal proceedings will ultimately determine their fate and provide a measure of closure for Manzano’s loved ones.
The investigation continues.
