New Orleans, LA – A shocking and disturbing case has emerged from the heart of New Orleans’ infamous Bourbon Street, where a known con artist and thief, Danette Colbert, has been implicated in the tragic and mysterious death of Telemundo sports journalist Adan Manzano. Authorities now believe that Manzano may not be her only victim, and as more men come forward with eerily similar experiences, the case has sent shockwaves through both the media industry and the city’s nightlife scene.

The Fatal Encounter: How Danette Colbert Became the Prime Suspect

On the evening of January 27, 2025, Adan Manzano, a respected and rising sports journalist for Telemundo, was in New Orleans covering the highly anticipated playoff game between the New Orleans Saints and the Dallas Cowboys. After wrapping up his live segment, he was seen socializing at several local establishments on Bourbon Street, one of the city’s most vibrant and notorious party hubs.

Surveillance footage later revealed that Manzano was last seen alive entering his hotel room at the Royal Sonesta Hotel around 2:15 a.m., accompanied by a woman later identified as Danette Colbert. Just hours later, at approximately 10:00 a.m., hotel staff discovered Manzano’s lifeless body after he failed to check out for his morning flight back to Miami.

Authorities immediately launched an investigation into his death. Although no signs of forced entry or struggle were evident, personal belongings were missing, including his wallet, phone, and a Rolex watch. It wasn’t until detectives reviewed hotel security footage that they spotted Colbert leaving his room around 4:00 a.m., carrying a small bag believed to contain the stolen items.

A History of Deception: Who Is Danette Colbert?

Danette Colbert, 42, is well known to New Orleans law enforcement. Dubbed the “Bourbon Street Hustler,” she has an extensive criminal history dating back over a decade, with charges ranging from fraud and theft to drugging and robbing men. Her modus operandi is chillingly consistent—she targets intoxicated individuals, lures them to secluded locations or hotel rooms, and either spikes their drinks or uses a sedative before robbing them.

Court records indicate that Colbert was convicted in late 2024 for similar crimes. However, due to overcrowding in Louisiana’s prison system, she was sentenced to probation rather than incarceration—a decision that is now facing heavy scrutiny in the wake of Manzano’s death. Some critics argue that had she been behind bars, this tragic incident might have been avoided.

Potential Connections to Other Victims?

As the investigation into Manzano’s death deepened, authorities discovered alarming similarities between his case and another fatality reported months earlier. In October 2024, a 37-year-old businessman from Houston, whose name has not yet been released, was found dead in his New Orleans hotel room under suspicious circumstances. His death was initially ruled an accidental overdose, but new evidence suggests he, too, may have encountered Colbert prior to his demise.

In the wake of this revelation, more men have come forward, alleging that they were also victims of Colbert’s schemes. Several individuals claim that after meeting her in bars or casinos, they lost consciousness only to wake up hours later with missing valuables and little recollection of what had transpired. One victim stated that he filed a police report last year, but authorities were unable to make an arrest due to lack of concrete evidence.

Toxicology Reports Hold the Key

While investigators are confident in Colbert’s involvement, they are awaiting toxicology results to determine what substances were in Manzano’s system at the time of his death. Given Colbert’s history, authorities suspect that she may have used a powerful sedative such as gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), commonly referred to as the “date rape drug,” or another controlled substance to incapacitate Manzano before robbing him.

Should the toxicology reports confirm this theory, Colbert could face charges of second-degree murder, grand theft, and potentially additional federal charges if linked to other crimes across state lines.

National and International Backlash

Manzano’s death has not only stunned his colleagues at Telemundo but has also ignited concerns about safety in the French Quarter, an area already struggling with rising crime rates. His co-workers described him as a dedicated journalist who had a bright future ahead. “Adan was more than just a colleague—he was a friend, a mentor, and a truly passionate storyteller,” said fellow Telemundo anchor Sofia Rojas. “His loss is immeasurable, and we demand justice.”

The case has also sparked outrage in the Latin American community, given Manzano’s prominent status in sports journalism. Social media platforms have been flooded with tributes, while hashtags such as #JusticeForAdan and #BourbonStreetHustler have gone viral, drawing international attention to the case.

New Orleans Law Enforcement Under Pressure

The New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) is facing mounting pressure to not only secure a conviction against Colbert but also to implement stricter measures to prevent similar crimes in the future. Critics argue that leniency in the legal system allowed Colbert to continue preying on victims, and they are calling for a reevaluation of sentencing policies for repeat offenders.

New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell has responded to the public outcry, stating, “This is a wake-up call. We need to ensure that our justice system doesn’t allow individuals with long criminal histories to continue harming innocent people.” She also announced an initiative aimed at increasing police presence in high-tourism areas and providing better training for hotel staff to recognize signs of criminal activity.

Colbert’s Arrest and Legal Proceedings

On February 2, 2025, Colbert was apprehended by U.S. Marshals while attempting to board a bus to Houston. She was found in possession of multiple stolen credit cards, including one linked to Manzano. She is currently being held at the Orleans Parish Jail without bond and is expected to be formally charged in the coming days.

Her public defender has declined to comment, but legal experts predict that given the overwhelming evidence—including surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and the possibility of toxicology reports confirming the presence of sedatives in Manzano’s system—she could be facing life in prison if convicted.

A Community Demands Justice

As the case unfolds, the New Orleans community remains on edge, wondering how many more victims may be out there. Police are urging anyone who may have encountered Colbert to come forward, emphasizing that even past encounters could help strengthen the case against her.

For Manzano’s grieving family, the pursuit of justice is only just beginning. “We won’t rest until Adan’s killer is held accountable,” said his sister, Maria Manzano, during an emotional press conference. “No one else should have to suffer this way.”

The tragedy of Adan Manzano’s death has left an indelible mark on all who knew him. As authorities work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice, the city of New Orleans—and the world—will be watching closely, hoping that his loss will lead to meaningful change in how repeat offenders are dealt with in the criminal justice system.