The Tragic Death of Adan Manzano and the Ongoing Investigation
The death of Adan Manzano, a Telemundo reporter based in Kansas City, has sent shockwaves through the journalism community and beyond. Manzano, who was in New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl, was found unresponsive in a hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana, on February 5. His death has led to a sprawling investigation that has uncovered a web of disturbing allegations involving a suspect with a history of criminal activity. During a recent bond hearing, a detective testified that Manzano’s toxicology report revealed the presence of Alprazolam, a commonly prescribed anti-anxiety medication sold under the brand name Xanax, which he did not have a prescription for. This revelation has raised more questions about the circumstances surrounding his death and the role of the suspect, Danette Colbert.
The Role of Danette Colbert and the Evidence Against Her
Danette Colbert, a 48-year-old woman with a lengthy criminal history, has been charged in connection with Manzano’s death. According to authorities, Colbert has a history of drugging men and stealing from them, often targeting individuals visiting New Orleans. In this case, security video footage shows Colbert entering Manzano’s hotel room at 4:35 a.m., leaving, and then returning again before departing for good at 6 a.m. Manzano’s body was discovered later that afternoon. Police also found a device believed to be Manzano’s cell phone at Colbert’s home, and she is accused of using his credit card at a local store. These findings have led investigators to believe that Colbert may have played a role in Manzano’s death, though the exact cause and manner of his death remain unclear.
Colbert’s criminal history is alarming. She has been charged in at least five other cases across two states, with allegations that mirror the charges in Manzano’s case. In two of these cases, men who visited New Orleans claimed that Colbert posed as an Uber driver, drugged them, and stole thousands of dollars from them by swiping their phones and accessing their financial accounts. Since her arrest in connection with Manzano’s death, the Kenner Police Department has reported that at least a dozen other potential victims or their relatives have come forward, suggesting that Colbert’s alleged crimes may be part of a larger pattern of exploitation and deception.
The Legal Proceedings and Colbert’s Denial of Bond
During a bond hearing held in Jefferson Parish, the detective testified about the toxicology results and the evidence linking Colbert to Manzano’s death. The judge presiding over the hearing denied Colbert bond, describing her as “a danger to society.” Colbert’s attorneys have yet to respond to requests for comment, but during the hearing, one of her lawyers argued that she should not be judged solely on her criminal history. However, the accumulating evidence against her paints a troubling picture of a woman who has repeatedly preyed on vulnerable individuals, leaving a trail of devastation in her wake.
The investigation into Manzano’s death is ongoing, and authorities are working to determine whether Colbert was involved in other similar cases. One such case involves John Jenkins, a 55-year-old man from Maryland who was found unresponsive in a New Orleans hotel room in December 2023. Jenkins’ death was initially ruled accidental, with the autopsy citing combined cocaine and ethanol toxicity as the cause. However, investigators are now re-examining his case to see if Colbert may have been involved, potentially linking her to another tragic death.
The Bigger Picture: A Pattern of Exploitation and Deception
The case of Adan Manzano and the allegations against Danette Colbert highlight a disturbing trend of exploitation and deception targeting visitors to New Orleans. Colbert’s alleged modus operandi—posing as an Uber driver, drugging her victims, and stealing from them—has left countless individuals traumatized and financially devastated. The fact that she has been able to evade justice for so long raises questions about the failures of the criminal justice system and the challenges of tracking down perpetrators who prey on out-of-town visitors.
As the investigation continues, the hope is that justice will be served for Manzano and the many others who have been affected by Colbert’s alleged crimes. This case also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by individuals in unfamiliar environments and the importance of vigilance when interacting with strangers. While the exact circumstances of Manzano’s death may take time to unravel, one thing is clear: the impact of his loss is deeply felt by his colleagues, his family, and the broader community he served through his journalism.
