Danette Colbert Faces Murder Charges in Death of Telemundo Reporter Adan Manzano
Danette Colbert, a woman with a long history of alleged criminal activity, has been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Telemundo reporter Adan Manzano. Manzano, who was based in Kansas City, was found dead in a Kenner, Louisiana hotel room in early February while he was in town to cover the Super Bowl.
The Kenner Police Department, led by Chief Keith Conley, announced the charges against the 48-year-old Colbert during a press conference on Tuesday. Colbert, already in custody at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center on charges related to the theft of Manzano’s belongings, now faces a much more serious accusation.
In addition to Colbert, authorities have also arrested Rickey White in connection with the case. White, described as having no fixed address, was apprehended in Hollywood, Florida, on March 14 by U.S. Marshals and the Hollywood Police Department. He is currently being held at the Broward County Jail in Fort Lauderdale, awaiting extradition to Louisiana. White faces a slew of charges, including simple robbery, access device fraud, illegal transmission of monetary funds, bank fraud, and computer fraud. These charges stem from the alleged fraudulent use of Manzano’s credit cards and other financial crimes that occurred after his death.
Chief Conley stated that correspondence between Colbert and White suggests that the two were working together in a coordinated effort. This alleged partnership appears to have played a crucial role in the investigation and ultimately led to the murder charges against Colbert.
The circumstances surrounding Manzano’s death are complex. Jefferson Parish coroner Gerald Cvitanovich determined that the reporter died from the combined toxic effects of Xanax and alcohol intoxication, along with positional asphyxia. Manzano was discovered face down on a pillow, and his blood alcohol level was .232, nearly three times the legal limit in Louisiana. The coroner’s office has classified the manner of death as undetermined.
The presence of Xanax, an anti-anxiety drug, in Manzano’s system has raised many questions. A preliminary toxicology report revealed the drug was present, and authorities confirmed that Manzano did not have a prescription for it. Further complicating matters, Xanax was also found at Colbert’s residence during a search.
The investigation has revealed a timeline of events leading up to Manzano’s death. Video surveillance from the Kenner Comfort Suites hotel shows Manzano and Colbert together in a room around 5 a.m. on February 5, the day of his death. Later that morning, Colbert is seen leaving the room alone. This footage, coupled with other evidence, has been instrumental in building the case against her.
During the search of Colbert’s residence in Slidell, investigators discovered Manzano’s cellphone and credit card. The credit card had been used fraudulently at several stores in the New Orleans area, further linking Colbert to the crime. Additionally, a stolen firearm was found at the residence, leading to a state felony charge of possession of a stolen firearm against Colbert. However, authorities have stated that they do not believe the firearm is directly related to Manzano’s death.
Chief Conley expressed a strong desire to see Colbert held accountable for her alleged crimes. "We don’t want Ms. Colbert to see the light of day again," he said, emphasizing the commitment of law enforcement to securing justice for Manzano’s family and friends. He also noted that various agencies are working to revoke any probation that Colbert may have obtained.
Colbert’s criminal history extends beyond the current charges. In 2022, she was arrested twice in Las Vegas on charges of grand larceny and administering a drug to aid in a felony crime. These cases involved allegations from men who claimed that Colbert drugged them in their hotel rooms on the Las Vegas Strip and stole from them. One victim reported the theft of $50,000 in cash, $11,000 in poker chips, a phone, a designer bag, and a Rolex watch. However, both cases were ultimately dismissed after the victims declined to testify against Colbert.
Law enforcement in New Orleans is well acquainted with Colbert, describing her as having an extensive record of fraud and robbery schemes. She has been arrested at least four times in the past decade for crimes such as bank fraud, second-degree battery, and theft. In 2019, she received a five-year suspended sentence and five years of probation after pleading guilty to access device fraud. This conviction stemmed from an incident in which a man reported losing a credit card during his time at a Bourbon Street strip club.
The death of Adan Manzano has deeply affected the Telemundo network and the Kansas City community where he was based. His colleagues remember him as a dedicated and talented journalist who was passionate about his work. The ongoing investigation and the charges against Colbert and White represent a significant step towards bringing closure to Manzano’s family and friends. The case is a complex one, involving a combination of drugs, alcohol, theft, and potential violence. As the legal proceedings move forward, more details are likely to emerge, shedding further light on the circumstances surrounding Manzano’s tragic death. The pursuit of justice for Adan Manzano remains a top priority for law enforcement, who are committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable. The extradition of Rickey White to Louisiana will be a crucial step in the process, as investigators seek to understand the full extent of his involvement in the alleged crimes.
