News Summary
Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old Telemundo reporter, was found dead in a hotel room while covering Super Bowl LIX. His death was ruled as positional asphyxiation due to high levels of alcohol and Xanax. Investigators have arrested two suspects related to his death, prompting concerns over targeted drugging and robbery in the area.
New Orleans – Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old reporter for Telemundo Kansas City, was found dead in his hotel room on February 5 while covering Super Bowl LIX. His death has been officially attributed to positional asphyxiation, caused by the combined toxic effects of alcohol and Xanax. The tragedy has led to the arrest of two suspects who now face charges related to Manzano’s death.
Manzano was discovered unresponsive in his hotel room at the Comfort Suites in Kenner, Louisiana. A toxicology report showed that his blood alcohol content at the time of death was a staggering 0.232%, nearly three times the legal limit for driving in Louisiana. This alarming level of alcohol, combined with the effects of Xanax, contributed to his fatal condition.
The Kenner Police Department’s investigation into Manzano’s death quickly led them to Danette Colbert, 48, who was the last person seen entering and leaving his hotel room. Surveillance footage revealed that Colbert entered the room along with Manzano, but exited alone after he was last seen alive. Authorities have since arrested her on charges of robbery and fraud related to the theft and usage of Manzano’s debit card on the night of his death. Following the investigation, police recovered items belonging to Manzano, including his debit card, at Colbert’s residence in Slidell, Louisiana.
Rickey White, 34, was initially arrested for financial crimes but has subsequently been charged as a principal to second-degree murder in connection with this case. The police suggest that White assisted Colbert in a drugging and robbery scheme targeting men in the New Orleans area. Prior to these murder charges, White faced other legal troubles, including charges of simple robbery, access device fraud, and illegal money transfers.
Evidence presented during a court hearing indicated that White played a significant role in aiding Colbert with her alleged criminal strategies, which have reportedly been ongoing for years. Both suspects currently remain held without bail at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center.
Manzano’s tragic passing has left a profound impact on the Kansas City community, where he was known as a promising journalist and a devoted father to one child. His colleagues and friends mourn the loss of a “rising star” in the field of journalism, highlighting his potential and the bright future he represented before this unfortunate event.
The Kenner Police Department has stated confidence in their findings and the evidence linking the suspects to the murder charges. As the investigation continues, authorities are actively seeking information about any additional past criminal activities relating to Colbert and White, emphasizing their seriousness about addressing the issue of targeted drugging and robbery in the area.
This case raises awareness about the dangers present in social situations involving alcohol and the vulnerabilities that can arise, especially for individuals in unfamiliar environments. The community remains in shock as they come to terms with this senseless tragedy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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March Events and Festivals in New Orleans
Tragic Death of Telemundo Reporter in New Orleans
Community in Shock as Journalist Found Dead in Hotel Room
Additional Resources
- Fox 4 KC
- Wikipedia: Adan Manzano
- USA Today
- Google Search: Adan Manzano death
- KSHB 41
- Google Scholar: Adan Manzano
- KMBC 9 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Adan Manzano
- People
- Google News: Adan Manzano
- Kansas City Star
- WAFB 9 News
Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER
NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
