7:47 pm - March 5, 2025
A Louisiana woman, known on social media as the “Bourbon Street Hustler,” has been accused of stealing the credit card of a young Telemundo reporter, Adan Manzano, who was found dead in his hotel room during his assignment to cover Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. Manzano, a 27-year-old rising star in journalism, was discovered unresponsive on February 5, 2023, at the Comfort Suites hotel in Kenner, a suburb of New Orleans. His death has sent shockwaves through the community, and authorities are now investigating whether he may have been drugged before his death. The suspect, 45-year-old Danette Colbert, has a lengthy criminal history and is facing multiple charges, including bank fraud, robbery, and illegal transfer of funds. Colbert, described by police as a “career criminal,” is being held on a $14,500 bond as the investigation continues.
Manzano, a reporter based in Kansas City, Missouri, had traveled to New Orleans to cover the highly anticipated Super Bowl event. His assignment was not just another job; it was an opportunity to showcase his talent and passion for sports journalism on a national stage. Tragically, his life was cut short, leaving his colleagues and loved ones in disbelief. According to Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley, detectives discovered that one of Manzano’s credit cards was missing during the processing of his hotel room. The same card had been used to check into the hotel and was later found to be missing, along with his cellphone. Security footage from the hotel reportedly showed Colbert entering Manzano’s room and leaving alone later that morning. Police tracked the missing credit card to Colbert, leading to her arrest. Conley described Colbert as someone who “plays a confidence game,” targeting individuals for financial gain through fraud, theft, and other schemes.
Colbert’s criminal history is nothing short of alarming. She has been linked to multiple cases of theft, fraud, and drugging victims in Las Vegas, where she has been arrested on several occasions. In one case, a man alleged that he invited Colbert and another woman to his hotel room at the Wynn Las Vegas, where he claims he was drugged and woke up to find tens of thousands of dollars in cash and personal belongings missing. Colbert was charged with theft valued at over $25,000 and administering a drug to aid in the commission of a felony. She was released on bond but was arrested again just months later in connection with a similar incident at another luxury resort, Encore, where a man claimed he was forced to consume a drink and later found thousands of dollars worth of items missing from his room. These cases paint a chilling picture of a woman who has allegedly made a career out of exploiting and deceiving others for financial gain.
Adan Manzano, the victim at the center of this tragic story, was more than just a reporter; he was a beloved member of his community and a dedicated professional. His colleagues at Telemundo remembered him as “a true professional and a rising star, who exemplified excellence in his work.” Manzano’s passion for sports and his ability to connect with his audience made him a standout journalist, and his contributions to the local community were deeply appreciated. Tragically, Manzano’s life had already been marked by loss; his wife, Ashleigh Boyd, had died in a car accident just last year in Kansas. His death during what should have been a career-defining assignment has left those who knew him heartbroken and searching for answers.
The Kenner Police Department’s investigation into Manzano’s death is ongoing, and authorities are now exploring whether his case is part of a larger pattern of suspicious deaths under similar circumstances. Police Chief Keith Conley revealed that other individuals have come forward with similar stories of being drugged and robbed in hotel rooms, suggesting that Colbert may have been involved in multiple such cases. Manzano’s autopsy is pending, and additional charges against Colbert may be filed once the results are released. In the meantime, Colbert’s arrest has brought some measure of relief to the community, but questions remain about how she was able to evade justice for so long despite her extensive criminal history.
As the investigation into Adan Manzano’s death continues, his legacy as a talented and passionate journalist lives on. His colleagues and fans remember him not only for his dedication to his craft but also for his kindness and enthusiasm. The circumstances of his death have cast a dark shadow over what should have been a moment of celebration and achievement. While justice is being sought for Manzano and the other alleged victims of Colbert’s crimes, the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of predatory individuals who prey on the vulnerable for personal gain. As the Kenner Police Department works to uncover the truth, the community mourns the loss of a young man whose life was taken far too soon.