A Louisiana woman initially charged with robbery in connection with the death of a Super Bowl reporter is now facing a murder charge. Authorities confirmed that 48-year-old Danette Colbert, who was previously accused of theft, has now been officially charged with second-degree murder.
Shocking Turn in the Case of Reporter’s Death
The case revolves around 27-year-old Adan Manzano, a Telemundo anchor and reporter from Kansas City, Missouri, who was found dead in his hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana, on February 5, during Super Bowl week.
Initially, Colbert was accused of stealing his phone and bank cards after security footage showed her entering his hotel room with him. However, investigators have now escalated the case, adding a murder charge to her record.
Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley announced the new charge, stating that ongoing investigations and toxicology reports provided critical evidence leading to this development.
Toxicology Report Raises Serious Questions
A toxicology report found that Manzano had benzodiazepine in his system—a depressant commonly used in medications like Xanax. However, according to medical records, he had no prescription for the drug. Investigators believe the drug may have been used to incapacitate him, making him vulnerable to robbery.
Detective Jeffrey Fitzmorris testified that benzodiazepines are often used in crimes to cause amnesia, raising further suspicions that Manzano was drugged before his death. This led authorities to reconsider the circumstances surrounding the case, ultimately leading to Colbert’s upgraded charge.
Suspect’s Criminal Past Raises More Alarms
Colbert has a history of similar crimes. She has been charged in at least five fraud and theft cases across two states, and some of these cases also involved allegations of drugging victims.
Since her arrest in connection to Manzano’s death, authorities in Kenner have received more than a dozen calls from people who believe they or their loved ones were also victims of Colbert.
One man, David Butler, 52, claimed he was drugged and robbed by Colbert three years ago. He told reporters that he met her in New Orleans while working on a home renovation.
After accepting a drink from another woman at a bar, he felt disoriented. Colbert then appeared and offered to take him home, but he later discovered his savings had been stolen, and he was left in a vulnerable state.
Another Suspicious Death Linked to the Suspect
On Tuesday, authorities also revealed that Colbert is now being investigated in connection with another suspicious death. John Jenkins, 55, was found unresponsive in a New Orleans hotel on December 15.
His death was initially ruled an accident, attributed to cocaine and ethanol toxicity. However, investigators now believe Colbert may have played a role in his case as well.
While officials have not disclosed specific details about her involvement, this new revelation raises even more concerns about her potential connection to multiple crimes.
What Happens Next?
Colbert remains in custody without bond, as she has been deemed a flight risk due to her criminal history. With new charges against her and additional victims coming forward, the case is gaining widespread attention.
As investigations continue, authorities are urging anyone with information about similar incidents to come forward. Meanwhile, the family and friends of Manzano are still seeking justice as they mourn the tragic loss of the young journalist.
