Slidell woman arrested in death investigation of Kansas City reporter

KENNER, La. (WGNO) — Louisiana law enforcement continue to investigate that death of a Kansas City reporter visiting New Orleans for Super Bowl coverage.

The death of 27-year-old Adan Manzano was announced Thursday, Feb. 6. He was in Louisiana on assignment for Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports, KGKC-TV.

On Friday, Feb. 7, officers arrested Danette Colbert of Slidell.

“She plays a confidence game. She’s definitely a career criminal,” said Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley.

Conley says surveillance video from Feb. 5 showed Manzano and 48-year-old Colbert entering the Comfort Suites in Kenner around 5 a.m.

The footage then showed her leaving the room alone. Manzano was later found unresponsive in the hotel room.

“Upon the detective processing the hotel room, they discovered that a credit card was missing, the same credit card that was used to check into the hotel, as well as his cell phone,” said Conley.

An investigation revealed Colbert was reportedly using Manzano’s credit cards at multiple stores in the New Orleans area.

Colbert was found and arrested in New Orleans around 10:30 p.m. She is currently in custody as a fugitive.

“The investigation led to a search warrant and an arrest warrant. A search warrant was executed at her residence. At this time Mr. Manzano’s credit card and cell phone were located inside that residence.”

Conley says that Colbert has a record of allegedly drugging men and stealing credit cards. But at this time, she has only been charged with property crimes.

Conley says incidents like these are more prevalent during big events such as the Super Bowl.

On Monday, Feb. 10, new information in the case revealed Kenner police had received calls from individuals claiming to have been victim’s of Colbert’s crimes or to report deaths in the similar circumstances.

“Brings to light that there are people out there that prey on other people, and bring them into their confidence and victimize. I don’t know where it’s going to end up. Like I said, we’re going to let the evidence lead us to the end result.”

She is currently facing charges including property crimes and fraud and theft-related offenses. Colbert reportedly has a prior record allegedly drugging men, theft of currency, fraudulent use
of credit and debit cards, and other financial crimes.

Manzano’s death has shocked those who knew him, including Mike Berenguer with Telemundo New Orleans, who says they were set to meet up the morning of his death.

“He was a really good reporter for the sports, you know, and had a good future for that in this job. I hope they can find out who did this. Young life, young future.”

How Manzano died is unknown, according to Conley. Colbert has not been charged in connection with Manzano’s death, but Conley says he expects more evidence to be released over the next 48 hours.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Kenner PD is asking anyone with information on the crime or recognizes Colbert to call the Criminal Investigations Division at 504-712-2222 or Crimestoppers at 504-822-1111.

Watch full Kenner PD press conference

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