"Bourbon Street Hustler" Faces Murder Charge in Super Bowl Reporter’s Death; Accomplice Arrested

The death of Adan Manzano, a Telemundo sports reporter covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans, has taken a dramatic turn as authorities announced a second-degree murder charge against Danette Colbert, dubbed the "Bourbon Street Hustler." Colbert, already in custody on fraud and robbery charges related to Manzano’s death, now faces the most serious accusation as investigators uncover more evidence. Simultaneously, police have apprehended Ricky White, believed to be Colbert’s accomplice, in Florida, adding another layer to the intricate web of alleged crimes.

Manzano, a 27-year-old rising star based in Kansas City, Missouri, was found dead in his hotel room at the Comfort Suites in Kenner on February 5th. Initial findings indicated the presence of Xanax in his system. A subsequent investigation has revealed that the cause of death was a lethal combination of Xanax and alcohol. The young reporter was discovered face-down on a pillow, exhibiting no lividity around his nose and mouth, a detail that heightened suspicions and contributed to the classification of his death as "undetermined" due to the unusual circumstances.

Two days following Manzano’s discovery, police arrested Colbert, a 45-year-old woman known for her alleged exploitative tactics in the French Quarter. At the time, she was charged with multiple counts of fugitive status, fraud, and robbery, all connected to Manzano’s death. The initial theory suggested that Colbert may have drugged Manzano before stealing his credit cards. The recent elevation of charges to second-degree murder reflects the mounting evidence gathered by the Kenner Police Department.

"We don’t want Ms. Colbert to see the light of day again," declared Kenner Police Department Chief Keith Conley during a press conference, emphasizing the gravity of the accusations and the determination to seek justice for Manzano.

The arrest of Ricky White in Florida marks another significant development in the case. White is facing charges of simple robbery and multiple counts of fraud, suggesting his involvement in the alleged scheme to drug and rob Manzano. The U.S. Marshals Service and Hollywood police collaborated in the apprehension of White, highlighting the multi-jurisdictional nature of the investigation.

According to police, Colbert has a reputation for targeting male victims, employing coercion and deceit to rob them in both New Orleans and Las Vegas. She was denied bond last month, indicating the court’s assessment of the seriousness of the charges against her and the potential risk she poses.

Chief Conley provided a detailed timeline of the events leading up to Manzano’s death. He stated that Colbert and Manzano met in the French Quarter in the early hours of February 5th and returned to Manzano’s hotel in Kenner around 4:30 a.m. Surveillance footage from the hotel lobby captured them entering Manzano’s room together. Approximately 30 minutes later, Colbert left the room briefly, returned to the store, then departed permanently within 15 minutes. Manzano was never seen alive on video again after entering his room with Colbert, making her the last known person to be with him.

Detectives discovered that one of Manzano’s credit cards was missing during the initial processing of his hotel room. Authorities obtained a search warrant to track the usage of the missing credit card, which ultimately led them to Colbert.

The investigation has expanded beyond Manzano’s death, as authorities suspect Colbert may be linked to other drugging and robbery cases in New Orleans and Las Vegas. Chief Conley revealed that they are investigating Colbert’s possible involvement in another man’s death in New Orleans from December. "We suspect that the investigation will lead to her being involved in another death case in the city of New Orleans back in December," Conley stated.

The Kenner Police Department is collaborating with the New Orleans Police Department, state police, and the attorney general’s office to gather comprehensive information before drawing conclusions. Chief Conley emphasized the importance of thorough investigation over speculation in such complex cases.

Conley described Colbert’s modus operandi, stating that she "has a long history of… bringing men into her confidence." The men subsequently become incapacitated, losing money and property. By the time they regain consciousness, their credit cards have been used at various locations, leaving them in a vulnerable and financially devastated state.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about Colbert’s activities to come forward. Chief Conley acknowledged that some victims may be hesitant to report due to the sensitive nature of the alleged crimes.

During a search warrant executed at Colbert’s address, police found a stolen gun unrelated to Manzano’s death, as well as narcotics, potentially leading to additional charges against her.

The investigation into Manzano’s death remains ongoing, and Colbert may face further charges as new evidence emerges.

Telemundo 39 issued a statement remembering Manzano as "a true professional and a rising star who exemplified excellence in his work." The statement conveyed the deep sense of loss felt by his colleagues and the community, emphasizing his passion for sports and the contributions he made. "We will deeply miss Adan and his passion for sports and the contributions he made to the local community," the statement read.