NEW ORLEANS, LA – Authorities have arrested a Louisiana woman, Danette Colbert, in connection with the death of Telemundo reporter Adan Manzano, who was found unresponsive in his hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana, on February 5th. Manzano, 27, was in New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl for Telemundo Kansas City.
Colbert, 49, was taken into custody on charges related to fraud and theft after investigators discovered she had used Manzano's credit card at multiple stores in the area. Surveillance footage from the hotel showed Colbert arriving with Manzano at his room early in the morning and leaving without him about an hour later.
During a search of Colbert's residence, police found Manzano's credit card and cellphone, as well as narcotics and a stolen firearm. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley described Colbert as a "career criminal" with a history of similar offenses.
While the cause of Manzano's death has not yet been determined, the coroner's office is conducting toxicology tests, and results are expected in three to four weeks. Police have not ruled out the possibility of additional charges depending on the outcome of the investigation.
Manzano, a rising star at Telemundo, leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter. His death has deeply affected his colleagues and the community he served.
