Second suspect charged with murder in Super Bowl reporter's death
- Adan Manzano was found dead in his hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana, in February 2023.
- Danette Colbert was initially charged with second-degree murder after being seen leaving Manzano's room.
- Rickey White was later charged with second-degree murder as authorities continued their investigation into this tragic case.
In February 2023, a television reporter named Adan Manzano, who worked for Telemundo and was based in Kansas City, Missouri, was found dead in his hotel room at the Comfort Suites in Kenner, Louisiana, during coverage of the Super Bowl. The report indicated that he had ingested a combination of alcohol and Xanax, leading to his death. Authorities quickly arrested 45-year-old Danette Colbert after discovering she had been in Manzano's room around the time of his death. Security footage confirmed their interaction at the hotel. Subsequently, it was revealed that Colbert had used Manzano's credit card to make purchases at local gas stations. Following Colbert's arrest, law enforcement's investigation revealed a connection between her and 34-year-old Rickey White. Recently, Kenner police charged White with second-degree murder, stemming from ongoing investigative findings, despite the lack of evidence provided during preliminary hearings regarding his presence in New Orleans at the time of the incident. Legal representatives of both suspects have expressed doubts about the charges against them, highlighting the absence of conclusive evidence linking White directly to the events surrounding Manzano’s fatal overdose. Manzano was discovered face-down in his hotel room, showing no lividity around his nose or mouth, which indicates he may have been unable to breathe properly prior to his death. The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s initial autopsy results pointed towards a drug-related fatality involving the interaction of alcohol and a depressant found present at the scene. Police were alerted when unseen before closing in on the investigation, focusing on a possible pattern of drugging and robbery attributed to Colbert, who became known on social media as the 'Bourbon Street Hustler.' The unfolding case has raised serious concerns about the safety of individuals coming to enjoy events like the Super Bowl, highlighting the darker side of nightlife in places like New Orleans. Investigators are also looking into Colbert's suspected involvement in previous crimes and potential links to other unsolved cases in the area, prompting assurance from local law enforcement that the investigations will continue until full accountability comes to light. As public interest grows, the case remains under the scrutiny of local media and law enforcement officials who continue to work on solidifying their legal strategies against both suspects involved in this tragic incident.