Louisiana Attorney General Pursues Harsher Sentencing for Woman Linked to Kansas City Reporter’s Death

The Louisiana Attorney General is taking steps to impose a stricter penalty on a woman arrested following the death of a Kansas City-based Telemundo reporter. This development comes in the wake of events surrounding Super Bowl week in New Orleans.

Danette Colbert was taken into custody in Jefferson Parish in February. She faces charges of fraud and theft for allegedly misusing debit and credit cards that belonged to Adan Manzano, a promising reporter found dead in his hotel room while covering the Super Bowl for the Dallas local Telemundo affiliate, KGKC.

The Orleans Parish Coroner’s office discovered Xanax in Manzano’s system, with reports indicating he did not possess a valid prescription for the medication. This finding raises concerns about whether he may have been drugged prior to his untimely death.

Colbert’s presence on hotel security footage with Manzano just hours before his passing intensified the scrutiny surrounding her involvement. This footage, along with the circumstances of Manzano’s death, led to significant media attention and public interest.

Attorney General Moves Forward with Sentencing Pursuit

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has triggered the state’s habitual offender statute against Colbert, which could enable prosecutors to secure a longer sentence for her prior fraud conviction from November.

At 45 years old, Colbert carries a lengthy criminal record, being classified as a five-time convicted felon. Despite her extensive history, Orleans Criminal District Court Judge Nandi Campbell sentenced her to a 10-year suspended prison term along with five years of probation after her November conviction.

Understanding the Habitual Offender Bill

The habitual offender statute permits prosecutors to request more severe penalties for individuals with multiple felony convictions. This legal framework aims to deter repeat offenses and ensure public safety.

Murrill stated, “After consulting with Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams, my office will manage the case moving forward due to cross-jurisdictional factors. A motion to correct an illegal sentence can be filed at any time. The District Attorney’s Office has submitted a revocation on the defendant’s probation, asserting that the original sentence was not eligible for probation.

The Case’s Ongoing Developments

Colbert remains free of any formal charges related to Manzano’s death, yet she is being held without bond as Attorney General Murrill’s office seeks a harsher sentencing ruling from Judge Campbell.

In a troubling turn of events, NOLA.com uncovered that shortly after the fraud and theft allegations emerged, Colbert was also identified as a suspect in the December 15 death of a 55-year-old individual named John Jenkins. Jenkins reportedly died of cocaine and ethanol toxicity in a New Orleans hotel room.

As of now, Colbert has not been charged in connection with Jenkins’s death either, leaving room for speculation and concern from the public.

A Grieving Community Reflects on Manzano’s Legacy

In the wake of Manzano’s death, his employer, KGKC, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of a talented journalist. They characterized him as a true professional and rising star in the industry, emphasizing his commitment to showcasing excellence in his work.

The station voiced, “We will deeply miss Adam and his passion for sports and the contributions he made to the local community. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Future Implications

The judicial proceedings concerning Colbert will likely garner significant attention as the case unfolds. Both local and national audiences are increasingly focused on the implications of habitual offender laws, particularly in cases involving violence or suspicious circumstances surrounding a victim’s death.

As Fox News Digital sought comments from Colbert’s legal counsel and the District Attorney’s Office, the public awaits further insights into how this case will evolve. The ramifications of these events not only affect the individuals directly involved but also raise broader questions about safety and the integrity of law enforcement responses in high-profile cases.