Police: Woman arrested in connection with Kansas City reporter death faces murder charge

KENNER, La. (WGNO) — Officers with the Kenner Police Department held a news conference to discuss updates in the death investigation of a Kansas City sports reporter.

During the conference, Jefferson Parish Coroner Dr. Gerry Cvitanovich discussed the preliminary results of Adan Manzano’s autopsy.

Cvitanovich said Manzano’s preliminary autopsy results showed a combination of Xanax, alcohol and positional asphyxia. He said Manzano was found lying face down on a pillow.

Cvitanovich said the manner of death at this point is undetermined.

Kenner Police Chief Kieth Conely announced the arrest of an alleged accomplice, identified as Rickey White, on property charges including simple robbery, access device fraud, bank fraud and computer fraud in connection with the case. White was reportedly taken into custody in Florida and is awaiting extradition to Louisiana.

Conley also stated that an arrest warrant was obtained on Monday for 48-year-old Danette Colbert on a charge of second-degree murder. She was booked on that charge on Tuesday.

On Feb. 6, the death of 27-year-old Manzano, a Telemundo reporter, was announced. He was in New Orleans on assignment.

On Feb. 7, Colbert was arrested on property charges in connection with the investigation.

According to the Kenner police, Colbert is accused of using Manzano’s credit cards at businesses in the New Orleans area.

“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,” said Conley at a February news conference.

Conley said surveillance video showed Colbert allegedly entering the Comfort Suites in Kenner with Manzano and leaving alone. Manzano was later found unresponsive.

Kenner police allege that Colbert has a record of drugging men and stealing credit cards.

On Feb. 12, Jefferson Parish prosecutors filed a motion to revoke Colbert’s bond.

During a Feb. 25 court hearing, it was announced that Xanax had been found in Manzano’s autopsy. A judge also ordered Colbert to be held without bond.

Watch the KPD’s Tuesday news conference in the video player at the top of this story.

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