In the early hours of February 5, 2025, a tragic incident unfolded in Kenner, Louisiana, during the excitement of Super Bowl week that would leave both the sports community and law enforcement grappling with unsettling questions. Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old reporter and anchor for Telemundo Kansas City, was found dead in his hotel room, sparking a criminal investigation that has unveiled layers of intrigue and concern.
- Television reporter Adan Manzano found dead.
- Colbert accused of theft and fraud.
- Benzodiazepine detected in Manzano's system.
- Colbert has a criminal history of drug-related crimes.
- Manzano was covering Super Bowl in New Orleans.
- Manzano survived by a daughter after tragedy.
Authorities reported that Manzano was on assignment in New Orleans, covering the Super Bowl, a high-profile event that typically brings together fans and media from across the country. His body was discovered after a night that had begun in apparent promise but quickly turned grim.
Detective Jeffrey Fitzmorris of the Kenner Police Department testified in court, revealing that preliminary toxicology tests indicated the presence of benzodiazepine in Manzano’s system—a class of drugs often associated with sedation and anxiety relief, which includes Xanax. “He did not have a prescription for Xanax or any other depressants based on his medical records,” Fitzmorris noted, highlighting the troubling implications of this finding. He explained that the drug is sometimes used by criminals to render victims vulnerable to theft, further complicating the narrative surrounding Manzano’s death.
Adding to the tension of this unfolding story is the involvement of Danette Colbert, a 48-year-old woman accused of stealing Manzano’s cellphone and bank cards. Security footage captured her entering the hotel room with him around 5 a.m. and leaving alone about an hour later. In her wake, she allegedly made unauthorized purchases using Manzano’s credit card. Colbert is no stranger to legal troubles; just last year, a jury in Louisiana found her guilty of theft and fraud charges in a separate case.
Moreover, her past includes two arrests in Las Vegas in 2022 related to similar offenses—drugging men and stealing from them—though those charges were dismissed when the victims opted not to testify. Colbert’s attorney, Stavros Panagoulopoulos, has expressed confidence in her defense, arguing, “Assumptions and guesses are not enough to maintain criminal prosecution, and we look forward to providing further information as this case moves forward.”
As the investigation progresses, Colbert has been incarcerated without bond, deemed a flight risk due to her previous absences from court. “We believe that this will help prevent any further victimization for the public,” Deputy Chief McCormick asserted, emphasizing the need for public safety in light of Colbert’s criminal record.
The tragic backdrop to Manzano’s life deepens the story’s emotional weight. He leaves behind a two-year-old daughter, compounded by the loss of his wife in a car crash just a year prior. Telemundo expressed profound sorrow for their lost talent, calling him “a true professional and a rising star,” whose contributions to local sports and the community were deeply valued.
The case remains in a delicate phase. With the final autopsy and toxicology results pending, authorities are cautious about potential charges that may be upgraded. Surveillance footage and ongoing forensic analysis are expected to play crucial roles in unraveling the timeline of events leading to Manzano’s untimely death.
As family, friends, and colleagues await answers, the community is left to grapple with the consequences of this tragedy—a reminder of the ever-present impermanence in life, especially during moments that ought to be celebrated. The intersection of crime, media, and personal loss in this case paints a chilling picture of reality, leaving many questions hanging in the balance as the legal proceedings unfold.
