A Slidell woman, identified as 48-year-old Danette Colbert, has been arrested in connection with the death of Kansas City Telemundo correspondent Adan Manzano. Manzano, who had traveled to New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl, was found dead in his hotel room at a Kenner Comfort Inn. Colbert’s arrest follows a series of investigative findings that have led authorities to believe she may have played a role in the reporter’s death.
Discovery of Missing Credit Card and Cell Phone
Authorities first became suspicious when they discovered that Manzano’s credit card and cell phone were missing from his hotel room after his body was found. The missing items were traced back to Colbert, whose movements were captured on the hotel’s security cameras. According to the Kenner Police Department, video footage showed Colbert leaving Manzano’s hotel room in the early hours of Wednesday morning, two days before her arrest. This footage played a significant role in identifying Colbert as a key figure in the investigation.
The authorities’ investigation revealed that Colbert had used Manzano’s credit card at several stores throughout New Orleans. Upon searching her home, investigators recovered the stolen items—Manzano’s credit card and cell phone. These developments significantly strengthened the case against Colbert.
Colbert’s Criminal History and Arrest Record
Danette Colbert’s arrest is not her first brush with the law. Authorities noted that she has an extensive criminal history, which includes multiple prior arrests for theft, fraud, and violent offenses. In particular, Colbert has been arrested for drugging victims and stealing their access devices, such as credit cards. She has a troubling history of involvement in criminal activities, having been arrested at least six times over the past twelve years in New Orleans. Court records also indicate that she has faced charges in Jefferson Parish and Las Vegas, Nevada. These past offenses, which include second-degree battery and bank fraud, further raised concerns about Colbert’s potential involvement in more serious criminal acts.
A Reporter’s Untimely Death
Adan Manzano’s death has sent shockwaves through the journalism community. Manzano, a reporter for Telemundo, was in New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl when he was found dead in his hotel room. Telemundo New Orleans news director Mike Barringer expressed his shock and sadness, describing Manzano as a talented reporter with a bright future ahead of him. Barringer had planned to meet with Manzano for an interview at the Morial Convention Center, but Manzano failed to show up, sparking concerns over his whereabouts.
While the exact cause of Manzano’s death has not yet been determined, authorities have noted that there were no obvious signs of trauma. The Jefferson Parish coroner’s office has confirmed that toxicology and other tests are underway to determine the cause of death. The lack of visible injuries, coupled with the findings of the missing items, has raised further questions about the circumstances surrounding Manzano’s untimely death.
Multiple Investigations Into Colbert’s Past Activities
The arrest of Danette Colbert has drawn attention not only to the current investigation but also to a series of incidents dating back as far as 2012. The New Orleans Police Department confirmed that Colbert had been linked to multiple investigations over the years, with charges ranging from simple robbery to pickpocketing. These ongoing investigations show a pattern of criminal behavior that includes both petty thefts and more serious offenses. While Colbert had previously been involved in various theft-related crimes, the connection to Manzano’s death has raised the stakes, as it involves a tragic loss of life.
Charges and Future Legal Proceedings
Danette Colbert is currently in custody in Kenner, facing a range of charges, including bank fraud, computer fraud, and illegal transmission of monetary funds. Authorities have indicated that the charges could be upgraded as the investigation into Manzano’s death progresses. The ongoing toxicology tests and further examination of the circumstances surrounding Manzano’s passing may provide more insight into whether additional charges will be pursued.
As the investigation continues, Colbert’s legal team will likely mount a defense, and the full extent of her involvement in Manzano’s death will become clearer. In the meantime, the case has sparked significant media attention, with the public eager for answers regarding what happened to the beloved reporter.
In conclusion, the arrest of Danette Colbert has brought to light a tragic and troubling case, with the death of Adan Manzano leaving many questions unanswered. The ongoing investigation is likely to reveal more details as forensic tests are completed, and law enforcement works to uncover the full scope of Colbert’s criminal activities. The loss of a promising young journalist serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that reporters face, even when covering major events such as the Super Bowl. As the case unfolds, the hope is that justice will be served for Manzano and his grieving family.
