Danette Colbert, a name that has become synonymous with deception and theft, finds herself at the center of a complicated legal web. Colbert was apprehended outside a wig store in eastern New Orleans, facing charges of theft and credit-card fraud. This arrest is a continuation of her long history of alleged criminal activity, which spans across multiple states and includes allegations of drugging and robbing individuals. Colbert's involvement in these crimes is further complicated by her connection to the mysterious death of Adan Manzano, a sports reporter for Telemundo Kansas City, who was covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans at the time of his death.
The 2023 Super Bowl in New Orleans took an unexpected turn when Adan Manzano was found dead in his hotel room on February 3, just four days before the event. Manzano's death led investigators to unravel a series of puzzling circumstances. Among the findings was the absence of his credit cards, which were later discovered to have been used for unauthorized purchases. Further investigation revealed drugs, including Xanax, in his hotel room.
Authorities soon identified Danette Colbert as the woman last seen with Manzano before his untimely demise. They discovered Manzano's cellphone at Colbert's residence, located about 40 miles northeast of Kenner. This discovery came after Colbert granted permission for a search of her home, leading to her connection to the case becoming even more apparent.
Colbert's arrest in New Orleans is not her first encounter with the law. Her criminal record extends back to Las Vegas, where she was previously arrested on charges of drugging and robbing a man. Although these charges were eventually dismissed, they are part of a broader pattern of allegations against her. In 2022, another man accused Colbert of drugging and robbing him of $100,000 in cash, jewelry, and casino chips after inviting her to his hotel room.
In addition to these accusations, Colbert has faced charges ranging from theft and aggravated battery to credit card fraud. Her driving record also shows incidents of speeding, aggressive driving, and operating a vehicle without insurance or a driver's license in Las Vegas. Despite these numerous allegations, Colbert has managed to avoid severe legal repercussions, having been granted probation in at least four cases within the New Orleans area.
The connection between Colbert and Manzano has raised questions about her role in his death. While she made bond following her initial arrest related to theft and fraud charges, Colbert was taken into custody again after Manzano's passing. The timeline and circumstances surrounding these events suggest a deeper involvement that authorities continue to investigate.
Manzano's career as a journalist had brought him to New Orleans for the Super Bowl coverage—a high-profile event that should have marked a professional highlight rather than a tragic end. As a sports reporter for Telemundo Kansas City, he was well-regarded for his work and dedication to bringing sports news to his audience.
The ongoing investigation into Manzano's death and Colbert's arrest underscores the intricate nature of this case. The intertwining of theft, fraud, and possible foul play presents challenges for law enforcement as they piece together what transpired during those critical days leading up to February 3.