An arrest has been made in connection with the death of a sports reporter while in New Orleans to cover Super Bowl 59.
Kenner, Louisiana, police say that they have arrested Danette Colbert, of nearby Slidell, Louisiana, after Adan Manzano was found unresponsive in his Kenner Comfort Suites hotel room.
According to authorities, Colbert was using a credit card belonging to Manzano at several shops in the New Orleans area. Colbert was also seen on video at the hotel showing her with Manzano on Wednesday and leaving the room alone later in the morning.
Colbert has not been charged with his death but was booked on property crimes, including fraud and theft-related offenses.
Police said that Colbert has been arrested before and accused of drugging men, stealing cash, fraudulent use of credit and debit cards, and other financial-related crimes.
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During a press conference detailing the arrest, Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley said there are at least two other cases of Colbert drugging men and stealing property, including one in Nevada, and a search warrant was executed at Colbert’s house, where they found Manzano’s credit card and cell phone, along with drugs and a stolen gun, which Conley said is doubtful that it’s related to this case.
Colbert was arrested in New Orleans Thursday night and is still in custody. Conley said depending on the coroner’s findings and the ongoing investigation, more charges could be pending.
“She is definitely a career criminal,” Conley said of Colbert. “Everyone should be aware of their surroundings. It’s a major concern, so it’s something that people need to be aware of.”
Nevada charges similar to Louisiana case
Colbert was arrested in January 2022 after a man told authorities he was drugged after inviting two women to his hotel room at the Wynn Las Vegas and saying that nearly $100,000 in cash, casino chips, a Rolex, and other goods were missing, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Six months later, Colbert was arrested again after a man invited two women, one later identified as Colbert, to his room at the Encore, where they forced liquid down his throat. He woke up to find a $60,000 watch, casino chips, and a credit card stolen, with the card being used to make purchases.
In both cases, prosecutors declined to press charges of administering drugs to aid in the commission of felony and grand larceny.
Manzano worked for Tico Sports and Telemundo Kansas City (KGKC), which described him as a “true professional and rising star who exemplified excellence in his work.”
“We will deeply miss Adan and his passion for sports, and the contributions he made to the local community,” the TV station said. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
“Adan was a talented and professional broadcaster, providing sideline coverage for the Kansas City Chiefs Spanish broadcast and play-by-play caller for the KC Current. He was an enthusiastic and energetic team player who was well liked and respected,” Tico Sports said in a statement.
“Adan was a devoted father to his young daughter, a helpful colleague, and loyal friend. He will be greatly missed by our TICO Family and will live on in our hearts and memories.”
