Arrest Made in Death of Telemundo Reporter Linked to Las Vegas Drugging Incident

Arrest Made in Death of Telemundo Reporter Linked to Las Vegas Drugging Incident

A woman from Louisiana, who gained notoriety on social media under the alias ‘Bourbon Street Hustler,’ faces serious allegations regarding the death of a Super Bowl reporter. The woman, identified as Danette Colbert, is accused of stealing the credit card of Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old journalist with Telemundo who worked in Kansas City, Missouri, before he was found dead in his hotel room in Kenner, a suburb of New Orleans.

Manzano traveled to New Orleans on assignment to cover Super Bowl LIX. Unfortunately, he was discovered deceased in his hotel room on February 5. Security footage from the Comfort Suites hotel allegedly captured Colbert entering and exiting Manzano’s room on the same day, according to a report from Telemundo 39.

Police Findings and Criminal Charges

Colbert, a 45-year-old woman described by Kenner police as a career criminal, now faces multiple charges. These include four counts of being a fugitive, two counts of traffic violations, charges of purse snatching, aggravated device fraud, illegal transfer of funds, bank fraud, computer fraud, and robbery.

Authorities from Kenner indicated that Manzano may have been drugged before his untimely death. Reports suggest that other individuals have come forward with similar accounts of suspicious deaths under comparable circumstances, and these cases are currently under investigation by local authorities.

During a press conference, Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley revealed that detectives discovered one of Manzano’s credit cards missing while examining his hotel room. This missing card was used to check into the hotel, alongside a stolen cellphone, Conley added.

Surveillance Footage and Investigative Proceedings

Law enforcement secured video surveillance footage from the hotel, capturing crucial moments leading to the reporter’s death. Manzano arrived at his hotel around 4:35 a.m. on February 5. Subsequently, Colbert can be seen entering and leaving his room shortly after. By 6 a.m., she had vacated the premises and did not return.

Detectives obtained a search warrant to track the location of the stolen credit card, which ultimately led them to Colbert.

Upon identifying her as a suspect, police executed a search warrant at Colbert’s residence. Though they found a stolen firearm — unrelated to Manzano’s case — investigators also discovered narcotics.

Colbert’s Criminal Background

Colbert has a notorious criminal record originating from Las Vegas. Her history includes various theft-related charges. For instance, she was initially arrested in January 2022 after a man reported that he had invited two women to his hotel room at Wynn Las Vegas. After consuming a drink, he suffered an injury and later found valuable items missing, which led to Colbert facing charges for grand theft and administering a drug to facilitate a felony. She was released on bond afterward.

In a similar case in July 2022, Las Vegas police responded to another report involving Colbert. A man recounted a harrowing experience where he invited two women to his room at Encore, only to wake up with thousands of dollars in personal belongings missing after a night of drinking. This case resulted in charges of grand larceny and related offenses, with Colbert released again on a surety bond.

Community Reaction and Further Investigations

Telemundo 39 expressed profound sorrow over the loss of Manzano, describing him as a true professional and a rising star in journalism. The network highlighted his contributions to the community and his passion for sports in a heartfelt statement.

The death of Manzano is particularly tragic, given that his wife, Ashleigh Boyd, passed away in a car accident in Kansas the previous year.

Police Chief Conley mentioned that additional charges against Colbert could be forthcoming once the coroner completes the autopsy on Manzano. Presently, Colbert remains in custody, with a bond set at $14,500 in Jefferson Parish.

Looking Toward the Future

This case underscores the alarming issues of safety and security surrounding high-profile events like the Super Bowl. Investigators continue to look into the circumstances of Manzano’s death and whether other vulnerable individuals might have fallen victim to similar criminal acts.

The story serves as a reminder that behind glamorous events lie grave realities, often obscured from public view. With ongoing investigations, the community watches closely, hoping for justice for the beloved reporter and a thorough exploration into the motives and actions of those who exploit trust and good fortune in high-stakes environments.