NEW ORLEANS, LA — Danette Colbert, a 39-year-old woman from Slidell, Louisiana, has been arrested in connection with the suspicious death of Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano, 27, whose body was discovered in New Orleans earlier this month. Law enforcement officials say Colbert was captured on surveillance footage using Manzano’s credit card at multiple stores, leading to her arrest on charges of fraud, theft, and other property crimes.

Colbert’s criminal record reveals a disturbing pattern of financial crimes, including allegations of drugging men, robbery, and fraud spanning multiple states. Most notably, she was previously arrested in Las Vegas for stealing over $98,000 in cash, jewelry, and casino chips from a man who suspected he had been drugged.

Now, with her latest arrest in connection to Manzano’s untimely and suspicious death, investigators are working to determine whether Colbert is responsible for more serious offenses, including potential homicide charges.

A Pattern of Crimes: The Criminal History of Danette Colbert

Colbert’s criminal record stretches across multiple states, including Nevada and Louisiana, where she has faced numerous accusations of theft, fraud, and reckless behavior.

• January 17, 2022 – Las Vegas, NV
  Colbert was arrested in connection with a high-profile theft at the Wynn Las Vegas. According to an arrest report, a man invited two women he met at a bar to his hotel room, but after having drinks with them, he woke up disoriented with a bloody nose, realizing that he had been robbed. The stolen items included:
  • $50,000 in cash
  • A $30,000 Rolex watch
  • $11,000 in casino chips
  • His iPhone 11
  • A $5,000 Louis Vuitton luggage bag
  • A $2,000 designer satchel
    The victim told police that he suspected he had been drugged, as he could not recall anything after walking one of the women to the door. Surveillance footage later identified Colbert as one of the women involved in the incident.
• August 2024 – Las Vegas, NV
  In another run-in with the law, Colbert was arrested for reckless driving after speeding at 97 mph through a school zone. She was charged with:
  • Reckless driving
  • Aggressive driving
  • Driving without a valid license
  • Failure to provide proof of insurance

Authorities at the time expressed concern over her disregard for public safety, but Colbert was released after posting bail.

• February 2025 – New Orleans, LA
  Colbert was arrested for fraud and theft after being caught on surveillance cameras using Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano’s credit card at various stores in the New Orleans area.

Investigators now believe that Colbert may have been the last person to see Manzano alive, and they are working to determine whether she played a direct role in his death.

Adan Manzano’s Death: How Did the Kansas City Reporter End Up in Colbert’s Orbit?

Manzano, a 27-year-old sports journalist for Telemundo KC, had traveled to New Orleans to cover Super Bowl-related events. According to colleagues, he was last seen on the evening of February 5 but failed to check in with his newsroom the following day.

Concerned co-workers attempted to reach him, but all calls went unanswered. When authorities later found Manzano’s credit card activity linked to Colbert, they quickly began investigating her connection to the case.

• February 6: Manzano is reported missing.
• February 7: Surveillance footage captures Colbert using Manzano’s stolen credit card.
• February 8: Colbert is arrested for fraud and property crimes, but police suspect more serious charges may follow.

Law enforcement officials are awaiting toxicology and autopsy reports to determine the exact cause of Manzano’s death. However, given Colbert’s past involvement in drugging and robbing men, authorities suspect a possible overdose or poisoning scenario.

New Orleans Law Enforcement Investigates Possible Homicide Charges

While Colbert’s current charges involve fraud and property crimes, New Orleans authorities have not ruled out homicide charges. Detectives are conducting an extensive investigation into whether Manzano was deliberately drugged, robbed, and left incapacitated.

“There is a clear pattern of behavior here,” said Detective Jonathan Boudreaux of the Kenner Police Department. “We are reviewing all evidence, including surveillance footage, witness statements, and forensic analysis to determine whether additional charges—including homicide—should be filed.”

Telemundo KC Mourns the Loss of a Rising Star

News of Adan Manzano’s tragic death has sent shockwaves through the journalism community, particularly among his colleagues at Telemundo KC.

“Adan was an incredibly talented journalist with a passion for storytelling. His loss is a devastating blow to our newsroom and to all who knew him,” said Telemundo KC News Director Maria Rojas.

Manzano, originally from San Antonio, Texas, had been working in Kansas City for nearly three years, covering sports and community events. His warm personality and dedication to journalism made him a well-respected figure in the industry.

Public Safety Concerns: A Larger Issue of Drugging and Robberies in Tourist Areas

Manzano’s case is not an isolated incident. Authorities warn that tourists and visitors in major cities like New Orleans and Las Vegas are often targeted by criminals using similar tactics—drugging unsuspecting victims before robbing them.

Colbert’s previous cases show a disturbing trend of her alleged preying on men in social settings, gaining their trust before drugging and stealing from them.

Law enforcement agencies urge the public to remain cautious in social situations and to never accept drinks from strangers or leave personal belongings unattended.

What Happens Next?

• Colbert remains in custody in Louisiana as investigators continue to build their case.
• The results of Manzano’s autopsy and toxicology report will determine whether additional charges, including homicide, will be filed against Colbert.
• Authorities are actively searching for other potential victims who may have had similar encounters with Colbert in the past.

As the case develops, Manzano’s family and colleagues are demanding justice, vowing to ensure that those responsible for his tragic death are held accountable.

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact the Kenner Police Department at (504) 712-2222 or Crimestoppers at (504) 822-1111.