Police in Louisiana are investigating whether a sports reporter who traveled to New Orleans for the Super Bowl may have been drugged before his death.
Adan Manzano, a reporter for KGKC Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports, was found dead in his hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana, on February 5. The cause of death has not yet been determined.
Authorities discovered that a woman, Danette Colbert, was seen entering Manzano’s hotel room hours before he was found dead. When police searched her home, they found his cellphone and credit card. Colbert, from Slidell, Louisiana, has been charged with theft and fraud-related crimes.
Police are still waiting for toxicology reports but are investigating whether Manzano was drugged. They noted that Colbert has a history of similar crimes, where she allegedly drugged victims to steal from them. Since her arrest, other individuals have come forward, claiming to have been victims or reporting suspicious deaths under similar circumstances.
Colbert faces multiple charges, including robbery, access device fraud, illegal transmission of funds, bank fraud, and computer fraud. She is currently in custody at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center. It is unclear if she has legal representation.
Authorities revealed that Colbert had been accused of similar crimes in both Nevada and Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. In these previous cases, she allegedly drugged victims and stole their credit cards and other financial items.
Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley emphasized that the investigation will follow the evidence, rather than making early conclusions about whether this is a homicide case.
Surveillance footage showed Manzano and Colbert together at his hotel on the morning of February 5. She was seen leaving his room and returning before eventually leaving again. Investigators also found locations in New Orleans where they were spotted together.
Police determined that Colbert used Manzano’s credit card at multiple stores in the New Orleans area. When officers searched her home, they recovered his missing phone and credit card before arresting her on February 8.
Manzano’s employer, KGKC Telemundo Kansas City, described him as a dedicated professional and a rising star in sports journalism. “We will deeply miss Adan, his passion for sports, and the contributions he made to the local community,” the station said.
The investigation is ongoing as police work with forensic experts to determine if additional charges should be filed.
