What began as routine Super Bowl coverage turned into a chilling crime scene. The sudden and suspicious death of 27-year-old Adan Manzano, a rising Telemundo Kansas City reporter, has now taken a shocking turn—one that leads to a woman police describe as a “career criminal” with a sinister past.
Danette Colbert, 48, now sits in custody after authorities linked her to Manzano’s death in a Kenner, Louisiana hotel room. As police dig deeper into her background, more victims may be surfacing—and the truth behind what happened that morning is only beginning to emerge.
The Last Night of a Promising Life
Manzano had been covering Super Bowl LVIII events and staying at a hotel near New Orleans. On the morning of February 5, hotel staff discovered his lifeless body. He had not checked out, and calls to his room went unanswered.
When officers arrived, they immediately noted that Manzano’s cellphone and the credit card used to book the room were missing. That detail raised red flags and prompted a review of hotel surveillance footage.
What the cameras captured next broke open the case.
Captured on Camera: A Deadly Encounter
Security video revealed Manzano entering his hotel room around 5 a.m. with an unidentified woman. Hours later, she exited alone. Manzano was never seen alive again.
That woman was soon identified as Danette Colbert—a repeat offender with a reputation for targeting men, drugging them, and robbing them while unconscious. Police in nearby cities had already been tracking Colbert for similar offenses.
Investigators issued a warrant for her arrest and tracked her to New Orleans.
Arrested and Exposed: The Career Criminal Behind the Smile
Colbert was arrested at her residence in Slidell, Louisiana. During a search of her home, police found critical evidence tying her to Manzano’s death. Among the items recovered were his missing cellphone, his credit card, illegal narcotics, and a stolen firearm.
At this time, detectives do not believe the firearm played a role in Manzano’s death. However, the presence of drugs in Colbert’s possession has raised serious questions about how she operates.
Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley described her as someone who “plays the confidence game,” calling her “definitely a career criminal.”
More Victims, More Questions
Shortly after Colbert’s arrest, police began receiving calls from others who claim to have had similar run-ins with her. Some described suspicious circumstances, including unexplained blackouts and missing valuables. Others fear their encounters could have ended in death—just like Manzano’s.
While Colbert currently faces property crime charges, authorities haven’t ruled out additional, more serious charges. The official cause of Manzano’s death remains undisclosed as the medical examiner continues their work.
A Life Cut Short by Deception
Manzano’s tragic death has left a deep void among his colleagues and loved ones. Known for his charisma, professionalism, and love of storytelling, he had rapidly become a respected voice in Spanish-language sports journalism.
Heartbreakingly, his loss comes just a year after another devastating event. In 2023, Manzano’s wife died in a car crash. He leaves behind a two-year-old daughter, now in the care of his late wife’s family in Topeka, Kansas.
The double tragedy has stunned those who knew him.
A Pattern of Prey: Police Issue Warnings
As the case grows, Kenner Police warn others who may have interacted with Colbert to come forward. Her methods appear calculated—luring victims through charm, isolating them, and then stealing their most valuable possessions.
Chief Conley emphasized, “This wasn’t a one-time incident. She knew exactly what she was doing.”
Authorities believe Colbert may have victimized multiple people across the state—and possibly beyond.
FAQs
Who was Adan Manzano?
He was a 27-year-old sports reporter for Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports, covering the Super Bowl at the time of his death.
How did police identify the suspect?
Surveillance footage from the hotel showed Manzano entering his room with a woman later identified as Danette Colbert. She left alone hours before his body was discovered.
Who is Danette Colbert?
Colbert is a 48-year-old woman with a lengthy criminal history involving theft, drugging victims, and fraud. Police describe her as a “career criminal.”
What evidence links her to the crime?
Police found Manzano’s missing phone and credit card, along with narcotics and a stolen gun, at Colbert’s residence.
Is she charged with murder?
Currently, she faces property crime charges. However, more serious charges are expected as the investigation progresses.
Are there other victims?
Yes. Since her arrest, police have received multiple reports of similar incidents involving Colbert.