Police investigate the scene linked to the tragic death of a journalist.
The tragic death of Kansas City reporter Adan Manzano has led to an investigation involving Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill. Found unresponsive in his hotel room after covering the Super Bowl, details surrounding his death are raising serious questions. The last person seen with him, Danette Colbert, has been arrested and accused of theft related to Manzano’s credit cards. The community seeks justice as the case unfolds.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, New Orleans has become the center of a serious investigation surrounding the tragic death of a young journalist. Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old reporter from Kansas City, tragically lost his life while covering the Super Bowl in the Big Easy. Found unresponsive in his hotel room in Kenner on February 5, 2025, the case has raised many questions, leading to a dramatic involvement from Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill.
Danette Colbert, age 48, has been arrested in connection with Manzano’s death. While she was the last person seen with him before he died, her involvement doesn’t just end there. Authorities allege that Colbert stole Manzano’s credit cards and has remained in Jefferson Parish jail without bond since her arrest. This situation has taken a complicated turn as the Attorney General has now stepped in to revise Colbert’s sentence due to a prior mix-up concerning her eligibility for probation.
Attorney General Murrill made it known that she plans to file a motion to correct Colbert’s previous sentence. Shockingly, Colbert was granted probation for earlier crimes in Orleans Parish, a decision that could lead to an invalidation since those convictions disqualified her from receiving any probation. Meanwhile, the District Attorney’s Office has filed a revocation on her probation, reinforcing the fact that the initial sentence was not appropriate.
According to reports, Kenner police were already investigating the circumstances surrounding Manzano’s untimely death when they discovered Colbert had been using his credit cards at several local stores posthumously. Weeks later, surveillance footage revealed Colbert arriving at Manzano’s hotel room at approximately 5 a.m. on the day he died, only to leave about an hour later. This timeline raises serious concerns, especially given that authorities found Manzano’s credit card and cellphone at Colbert’s home in nearby Slidell.
Sadly, this isn’t Colbert’s first brush with the law. With a documented history of fraudulent activities and personal issues involving narcotics, she has previously faced felony charges in Las Vegas for similar offenses. Those charges stemmed from drugging men and stealing from them, but they were dismissed due to lack of testimony from the victims. Additionally, her recent criminal past includes theft and fraud charges leading to a guilty verdict last year, resulting in a hefty $50,000 restitution payment.
As the investigation continues into Manzano’s death, Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley has called Colbert a “career criminal,” reflecting her troubled past. Meanwhile, the coroner’s office stated there was no visible trauma on Manzano’s body, yet a preliminary toxicology report has indicated that Xanax was present in his system, leading investigators to consider the possibility of a homicide.
Manzano’s tragic loss resonates deeply, especially as he leaves behind a two-year-old daughter. Following the death of his wife in a car accident last year, he was navigating the challenging path of being a single parent while working diligently as a reporter. This story has not just impacted his immediate family; it has drawn attention to a broader community of people who might have encountered Colbert in similar circumstances, with other alleged victims now coming forward.
As the situation develops, there remains a growing call for justice for Adan Manzano. With the Attorney General involved, the community is watching closely as the legal system steps into action. The sobering realization that this tragedy could have been prevented weighs heavily on the hearts of many.
New Orleans Residents Rally Against Proposed Hotel Development
Jefferson Parish Marks 200th Anniversary with Yearlong Celebrations
Tragic Death of Telemundo Reporter in New Orleans
New Developments in Kansas City Reporter’s Death Case
Community in Shock as Journalist Found Dead in Hotel Room
News Summary With President Trump's announcement of a 10% tariff on all imports and increased…
News Summary A jury has ruled Chevron must pay $744.6 million to restore wetlands damage…
News Summary As the shrimping season in Venice, Louisiana, nears its start on March 19,…
News Summary The University of Louisiana Monroe is bracing for a budget shortfall between $5…
News Summary Authorities in New Orleans are urgently seeking information on a missing 43-year-old radiologist,…
News Summary A stately home located at 1214 Jefferson Avenue in Uptown New Orleans has…