Third Arrest Made in Hotel Death of Super Bowl Reporter Adan Manzano

Authorities in Louisiana have apprehended a third suspect linked to the tragic death of Adan Manzano, a Kansas City-based sports reporter who was covering Super Bowl LIX. Manzano, age 27, was discovered dead in his hotel room at the Comfort Suites in Kenner, Louisiana, early on February 5.

The investigation revealed that Manzano had Xanax and alcohol in his system at the time of death. Medical officials confirmed that the unique combination of substances contributed to his fatal condition, with evidence indicating he was found face-down in his pillow, displaying no signs of lividity around his mouth and nose.

Details of the Arrests

Prior to this latest development, two suspects had already been detained. Danette Colbert, known as the “Bourbon Street Hustler,” aged 48, was arrested alongside Ricky White. Both individuals were suspected of involvement in a conspiracy to drug Manzano and subsequently steal his credit cards.

On Friday, police apprehended Christian Anderson, aged 33, a resident of New Orleans. Anderson’s arrest further deepened concerns regarding the plot to harm Manzano.

Colbert’s Criminal History

Colbert earned the unfortunate nickname on social media due to her history of targeting men in the vibrant French Quarter, where she allegedly engaged in various forms of theft. Provocatively, authorities suspect her of similar offenses in Las Vegas as well. Investigators believe that she, alongside White and Anderson, devised a plan that ultimately led to Manzano’s demise.

According to Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley, Manzano and Colbert likely met during the early hours in the French Quarter, hours before the journalist’s untimely death. Surveillance footage captured the two entering Manzano’s hotel room around 4:30 a.m. on February 5.

The Timeline of Events

Upon reviewing hotel video footage, police indicated that Colbert was the last known person to interact with Manzano. After some time in the room, Colbert was seen leaving, returning after approximately 30 minutes before disappearing again. Notably, Manzano was not captured on any video footage leaving the room.

Upon processing the crime scene, detectives discovered that one of Manzano’s credit cards was missing, which triggered a series of leads. Law enforcement secured a search warrant that allowed them to trace the card’s use, eventually leading them to Colbert.

Charges Filed Against Suspects

Ricky White faces multiple charges, including simple robbery and several counts of fraud. Notably, he was later indicted for murder in connection with Manzano’s death. Meanwhile, Anderson has been charged with principal to simple robbery, purse snatching, access device fraud, along with several additional financial crimes. Both he and Colbert remain in custody at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center.

Evidence and Investigative Progress

Police reports disclosed that digital evidence gleaned from search warrants highlighted Anderson’s involvement in a systematic approach to target victims. This plan included drugging them and stealing personal belongings like phones and financial documents.

Furthermore, investigators discovered that a vehicle used by Colbert on the day leading to Manzano’s death had been rented by Anderson. This evidence pointed toward Anderson’s logistical role in the crime and his post-crime communications with Colbert and White aimed at profiting from Manzano’s stolen assets.

Patterns of Criminal Behavior

Evidence also suggests that Colbert and Anderson maintained frequent contact following the incident. They exchanged messages that indicated a continued pattern of criminal behavior involving targeting vulnerable individuals.

Previously, Colbert faced a sentencing of 25 years in prison for unrelated crimes, including theft, computer fraud, and illegal monetary transactions stemming from a 2024 case. This history paints a complex picture of a suspect who has been involved in repeated offenses.

Community Appeal for Information

As part of their ongoing investigation, police have reached out to the public for assistance. Chief Conley emphasized the sensitive nature of Colbert’s alleged crimes, noting that potential victims may hesitate to come forward. The police urge anyone with information related to Colbert’s history or other incidents to step forward.

Moreover, following Colbert’s identification as a suspect in Manzano’s death, police executed a search warrant at her residence. Alongside narcotics, investigators found a stolen firearm, which was not directly linked to Manzano’s case.

Next Steps in the Investigation

Authorities continue to analyze evidence and explore all leads in this perplexing case. The interplay of digital communications, surveillance footage, and eyewitness accounts will play a crucial role in establishing the details surrounding the tragic events that unfolded leading to Manzano’s death. As the investigation progresses, the legal proceedings against the suspects will illuminate further the complexities of this disturbing case.