NEW ORLEANS — A tragic event unfolded during Super Bowl week when Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old television anchor and reporter for Telemundo from Kansas City, Missouri, was discovered dead in his hotel room in Kenner, a New Orleans suburb. This incident occurred on February 5 as media covered the high-profile sporting event.
Investigations into Manzano’s sudden death revealed that he had a sedative drug in his system at the time. During a court session this week, it came to light that a preliminary toxicology test indicated the presence of benzodiazepine, a sedative often marketed under brand names like Xanax. Detective Jeffrey Fitzmorris of the Kenner Police testified that Manzano had no prescriptions for such drugs, which are sometimes linked to thefts as they induce amnesia.
Authorities also identified Danette Colbert, 48, as a suspect in this case. Colbert was seen entering and leaving Manzano’s hotel room on surveillance footage. She currently faces accusations of stealing Manzano’s cellphone and bank cards. Due to her record, she is being detained without bond, as she is considered a flight risk.
Deputy Chief Mark McCormick of the Kenner Police Department stated that holding Colbert would prevent potential further victimization. Meanwhile, Colbert’s lawyer, Stavros Panagoulopoulos, argues that the charges are based on assumptions about Manzano’s death and the theft allegations. He expressed confidence in disproving these assumptions in court.
While awaiting the final results of the autopsy and toxicology reports, authorities have charged Colbert with multiple felonies tied to theft and fraud. Should additional evidence surface, these charges may be increased. Police reportedly found Xanax in Colbert’s residence, further complicating her legal situation.
Colbert’s recent history includes a conviction last year for theft and fraud involving a separate incident. Additionally, her criminal record shows two arrests in 2022 in Las Vegas for grand larceny and administering drugs to facilitate theft. Charges in those incidents were dropped after victims chose not to testify.
The investigation continues, with authorities scrutinizing every detail to uncover how these events unfolded and whether further legal action against Colbert is warranted.
