Authorities have arrested a woman named Danette Colbert in connection with the death of journalist Adan Manzano. Manzano, a reporter covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans, was found deceased in his hotel room at the Comfort Inn & Suites New Orleans Airport North in Kenner, Louisiana. The investigation into his death took a dramatic turn as police discovered drugs and a stolen gun in his room, though the weapon is not considered related to his demise.
Preliminary examination by the coroner's office revealed no obvious signs of trauma on Manzano's body. However, investigators grew suspicious of Colbert after tracing her use of Manzano's credit card for purchases at various local stores. Her cellphone activity indicated her presence near her known address in Slidell, Louisiana, approximately 40 miles northeast of New Orleans.
Colbert, who has a history of financial crimes involving drugging individuals, theft, and fraudulent credit card usage, was taken into custody on Thursday night. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at her residence, where they recovered Manzano's credit card and cellphone.
Manzano, originally from Mexico City, was known for his work with Kansas City-based Tico Sports and as a reporter and anchor for Telemundo Kansas City. His colleagues remember him as an enthusiastic and well-loved figure among the sports teams he covered.
"Led him to do great work, and always with a smile," said Steve Downing.
The journalist faced personal tragedy earlier this year when his wife died in a car crash in Topeka, Kansas, leaving behind their two-year-old daughter.
Colbert now faces charges of fraud and theft as the investigation continues to unravel whether she played a role in potentially drugging Manzano fatally. Her arrest adds complexity to the ongoing inquiry surrounding his sudden death.
"So we will be missing a family member," lamented Steve Downing, reflecting on the loss felt by those who worked closely with Manzano.