Tragic Death of Telemundo Reporter Adan Manzano

News Summary

The life of Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old Telemundo reporter, was abruptly ended in New Orleans while covering the Super Bowl. After being found dead in his hotel room, authorities arrested 48-year-old Danette Colbert, initially for theft but later charged with second-degree murder. Investigations indicate possible drug involvement leading to Manzano’s death due to positional asphyxia. Colbert’s history of criminal behavior raises further concerns, as the community mourns the loss of a promising journalist.

Tragic Turn: Woman Charged in Death of Telemundo Reporter Adan Manzano

In a heartbreaking turn of events, the life of Adan Manzano, a talented 27-year-old reporter and anchor for Telemundo, was cut short while he was in New Orleans covering the much-anticipated Super Bowl. On February 5, Manzano was discovered dead in his hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana, leaving friends and colleagues in shock and mourning the loss of a rising star in sports reporting.

The Arrest and Initial Charges

Shortly after the tragedy, police arrested Danette Colbert, a 48-year-old woman who was initially taken into custody for stealing Manzano’s cellphone and bank cards. But the situation took a grim turn when authorities reviewed further evidence, leading them to upgrade Colbert’s charges to second-degree murder. Since her arrest on February 6, Colbert has remained in jail while local authorities continue to piece together the details of the case.

Suspicions Arise

The investigation has sparked serious concerns, particularly as police suspect that Colbert may have drugged Manzano before robbing him. Police Chief Keith Conley made an announcement regarding the upgraded charge, indicating that security footage from the hotel shows both Manzano and Colbert entering his room together, only for Colbert to leave alone about an hour later.

Preliminary Findings and Cause of Death

With preliminary autopsy results appearing inconclusive, the coroner played a crucial role in clarifying the circumstances surrounding Manzano’s untimely death. Reports indicate that Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich, the coroner from Jefferson Parish, determined that Manzano’s cause of death was due to “positional asphyxia”, which is related to a dangerous combination of alcohol and Xanax. This revelation has greatly impacted the direction of the investigation.

Further Intrigues in the Case

After the incident, Colbert seemingly attempted to evade suspicion by using Manzano’s credit card for various purchases at gas stations and stores in the area. Interestingly, there were no documented prescriptions for Xanax found in her name, yet the drug was later discovered in her home, raising further questions about her activities leading up to this tragic event.

This isn’t the first time Colbert has been in the spotlight for troubling behavior. Past incidents have revealed a pattern of drugging and robbing men in both New Orleans and Las Vegas. In fact, Colbert had faced felony charges in Las Vegas last year, which were ultimately dismissed when the victims chose not to testify. Additionally, she was convicted of theft and fraud in an unrelated case last year, showcasing a concerning past.

Connecting the Dots

The investigation has not been limited to just Manzano’s death. Authorities believe Colbert may be connected to another man’s death in New Orleans from December, further complicating the case and painting a disturbing picture of her alleged criminal activities.

A Community in Mourning

As the investigation continues, the community and Manzano’s colleagues have come together to remember him not only as a dedicated journalist but also as a bright personality who enriched the lives of those around him. Many are still grappling with the shock of losing him so soon and are advocating for justice in his untimely death.

Meanwhile, Colbert’s alleged accomplice, Ricky White, has also been arrested in Fort Lauderdale, adding yet another layer to this dark tale. As police gather more evidence against both Colbert and White, hope remains that the community will find closure and that justice will prevail in honor of Adan Manzano.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• ESPN: Woman Charged in Death of Reporter
• Wikipedia: Telemundo
• The New York Times: Adan Manzano Murder
• Google Search: Adan Manzano
• Local 10 News: Super Bowl Reporter Death
• Google Scholar: Adan Manzano
• People: Woman Charged with Murder
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Super Bowl
• CNN: Previous Victim Warned
• Google News: Super Bowl Reporter Murder