A Kansas City sports reporter may have been drugged by a Louisiana woman known as a ‘career criminal’ before he died near New Orleans while covering Super Bowl 59, police said.
Days after Manzano’s death was announced by Telemundo Kansas City, Kenner police announced that they arrested 48-year-old Danette Colbert on Thursday night. Police said Colbert has only been charged with property crimes as of Monday, including fraud and theft-related offenses, but more charges could be forthcoming pending a toxicology report and further investigation by forensic experts.
While the toxicology report could ‘take several weeks to become available,’ police said on Monday that available evidence in the case has led to investigators exploring the possibility that Manzano may have been drugged before he died. Colbert also has an arrest history that includes allegations involving drugging and subsequently robbing people, police said in a news release.
Here is what else Kenner police said about the case on Monday, and where their investigation currently is.
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Kenner police contacted by alleged victims of Danette Colbert’s
Since Colbert’s arrest, Kenner police have been contacted by people claiming to be victims of hers or individuals reporting suspicious deaths under similar circumstances, according to the department. All these complaints will be investigated further by the appropriate jurisdictions, police added.
Colbert is still in custody at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, where she awaits criminal proceedings, police said. Police have also seized multiple electronic devices that are being forensically examined to determine whether they contain digital evidence related to Manzano’s death, according to the department.
Investigators have identified other locations where Colbert and Mazano were seen together in New Orleans, and they are reviewing security footage in those areas, police said. A video led police to Colbert after she was caught on camera leaving Manzano’s hotel room early Wednesday morning, Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley said during a press conference Friday.
More incriminating evidence was found when investigators discovered Manzano’s cellphone and credit card while searching Colbert’s home, Conley said. The credit card was fraudulently used at ‘several stores in the New Orleans area,’ the chief added.
Police Chief Keith Conley: ‘She’s definitely a career criminal’
Colbert’s criminal history includes ‘two instances where she drugged a victim and stole his access device and cards,’ Conley said. Both incidents occurred in 2022 in Las Vegas, on July 9 and Jan. 17, and involved Colbert allegedly meeting men at casinos, either drugging or assaulting them, and then stealing more than $50,000 worth of cash, thousands of dollars worth of casino chips, expensive jewelry, a credit card or electronic devices, The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.
‘She plays a confidence game. She’s definitely a career criminal,’ the chief said. ‘All of her crimes are against persons, such as access device frauds (such as illegal use of credit and debit cards), simple robberies, thefts, things of that nature.’
Both cases were later dismissed because the victims did not want to testify in court, Daniel Lippmann, the attorney who represented Colbert, told The Associated Press. He told USA TODAY that he had no comment on the current allegations against Colbert.
After being charged with two counts of administering a drug to aid in the commission of a felony and two counts of felony theft, all charges against Colbert were dropped in October 2022 without a clear reason from prosecutors as to why they did not move forward with the cases, The Times-Picayune reported.
Danette Colbert pleaded guilty in 2019, 2016, and 2015 to similar crimes
Colbert has pleaded guilty in the past to similar crimes, including in 2019, 2016 and 2015. Each incident involved her stealing a credit card or cash, and all three cases resulted in her either receiving less than 10 years of probation or a suspended sentence, according to The Times-Picayune.
‘She was stopped quite frequently in the French Quarter and she’s known for these fraud schemes,’ Conley said. ‘This brings to light that there are people out there that prey on other people and bring them into their confidence and victimize them. It’s something that people really need to be aware of.’
Adan Mazano remembered as ‘rising star’ and ‘devoted father’
Kansas City Telemundo called Manzano a ‘true professional and rising star who exemplified excellence in his work.’ This was Manzano’s third-straight season covering the Super Bowl for the TV station.
‘We will deeply miss Adan and his passion for sports, and the contributions he made to the local community,’ the TV station said. ‘Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.’
Manzano is survived by his younger daughter. His wife, Ashleigh LeAnn Boyd Manzano, was killed in a car accident in Topeka, Kansas on April 11, 2024.
In Tico Sports’ statement, the media company said, ‘Adan was a devoted father to his young daughter, a helpful colleague, and loyal friend. He will be greatly missed by our TICO Family and will live on in our hearts and memories.’
A GoFundMe was created by Manzano’s family, and so far, more than $3,500 has been raised.
‘Adan was a kind, loving, and hardworking person who touched the lives of many with his warmth and generosity,’ the GoFundMe description says. ‘He was a dedicated sports reporter and a true fanatic at heart. His passion for sports and storytelling connected people from Kansas City all the way to his home in Mexico. Through his work, he brought communities together, sharing the excitement, emotion, and love for sports that he held so dearly.’
Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com.
