In a significant legal development, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced a 25-year prison sentence for Danette Colbert, the woman charged in the murder of 27-year-old sports reporter Adan Manzano. Manzano, who worked for Telemundo, was found dead in his hotel room in New Orleans while covering events for the Super Bowl in February. The state pursued the case vigorously, highlighting Colbert’s history as a habitual offender and her alleged connection to several crimes targeting tourists.
| Article Subheadings |
|---|
| 1) Circumstances of Manzano’s Death |
| 2) Colbert’s Criminal History |
| 3) Legal Proceedings and Sentencing |
| 4) Investigation Details |
| 5) Broader Implications and Future Actions |
Circumstances of Manzano’s Death
The murder of Adan Manzano unfolded under tragic circumstances. While Manzano had traveled to New Orleans specifically to report on the Super Bowl, his life was abruptly cut short. On February 5, 2024, Manzano was discovered dead in his hotel room at the Comfort Suites in Kenner. His death was attributed to the presence of Xanax in his system, leading to suspicions surrounding Colbert, who was seen entering the hotel with him shortly before he was found.
According to the investigation, surveillance footage indicated that Colbert and Manzano returned to the hotel around 4:30 a.m. Witnesses recalled seeing them together in the French Quarter earlier that evening. The timeline suggests that after entering the hotel, the duo went to Manzano’s room, but only Colbert was seen leaving shortly afterward, raising alarms about the events that transpired inside.
Colbert’s Criminal History
Danette Colbert, aged 45, has been characterized as a “career criminal” by authorities. Her extensive criminal background includes five felony convictions related to various fraud offenses. Most notably, a 2024 decision by the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office led to a guilty verdict against her for theft, computer fraud, and illegal monetary transmission. Originally sentenced to a 10-year suspended prison term, her past ultimately played a significant role in the recent ruling against her.
Colbert’s repetitive fraudulent activities primarily occurred in tourist-heavy areas like the French Quarter in New Orleans. Her nickname, “Bourbon Street Hustler,” derives from her alleged pattern of targeting unsuspecting men, often taking advantage of their inebriated states. Law enforcement has linked her to multiple incidents in Las Vegas, suggesting that her methods have involved drugging victims before robbing them. This pattern raises questions about her influence and potential culpability not just in Manzano’s death but also in other similar cases.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Following investigative developments, the Attorney General’s office moved to label Colbert a habitual offender due to her criminal history. In court proceedings, prosecutors emphasized the need to impose a more stringent penalty, citing her prior felony convictions. On Thursday, a judge confirmed Colbert’s habitual offender status and sentenced her to 25 years in prison without the possibility of parole. This decision comes after the Orleans Criminal District Court judged her previous sentence to be insufficient given her extensive criminal activity.
In her statement, Attorney General Liz Murrill expressed the importance of collaboration between her office and local law enforcement in achieving justice for Manzano. “This is a testament to the hard work and cooperation between my prosecutors in New Orleans and State Police’s Troop NOLA,” she commented. Murrill also offered condolences to Manzano’s family, indicating the community’s collective mourning over the tragedy.
Investigation Details
The investigation into Manzano’s death has revealed troubling details about Colbert’s behavior before and after the incident. After Manzano’s body was discovered, detectives found that credit cards belonging to him were used in various locations after his death. Tracking these transactions led authorities to Colbert, connecting her to the crime closely. Eyewitness accounts and hotel surveillance further corroborated the timeline, depicting Colbert as the last known person to be with Manzano.
Moreover, Colbert’s accomplice, Ricky White, was arrested in Florida. He too faces numerous charges, including simple robbery and multiple counts of fraud. Both are now implicated in a broader pattern of drug and robbery cases, suggesting that there may be more victims who have yet to come forward. Law enforcement, specifically Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley, called for public assistance in gathering additional evidence and urged victims to speak out, hinting at a culture of silence around Colbert’s crimes.
Broader Implications and Future Actions
The case of Adan Manzano serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by individuals engaged in predatory behavior, especially in tourist locations. The Attorney General’s office and local law enforcement agencies are taking steps to enhance safety measures for tourists, particularly in the French Quarter, which has seen its share of similar crimes. In light of Colbert’s growing notoriety as a repeat offender, there is renewed emphasis on raising awareness and cautionary measures for visitors.
As investigations continue, authorities are exploring whether Colbert’s actions may be connected to further incidents, including another man’s death in New Orleans. The broader implications of this case highlight the need for cooperation among law enforcement agencies and the importance of public vigilance.
| No. | Key Points |
|---|---|
| 1 | Louisiana AG Liz Murrill announces a 25-year sentence for Danette Colbert. |
| 2 | Adan Manzano found dead in a New Orleans hotel while covering the Super Bowl. |
| 3 | Colbert’s extensive criminal history includes charges of fraud and theft. |
| 4 | The court identified Colbert as a habitual offender based on prior felonies. |
| 5 | Investigation links Colbert to other incidents involving drugging and robbery. |
Summary
The sentencing of Danette Colbert comes as a pivotal step in the ongoing struggle against criminal activity targeting tourists in New Orleans. The swift action taken by the Attorney General’s office and local police demonstrates a commitment to justice for Adan Manzano and highlights the broader implications of Colbert’s alleged pattern of criminal behavior. As authorities continue to investigate potential connections to other crimes, the public remains vigilant in protecting against predatory practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: Who was Adan Manzano?
Adan Manzano was a 27-year-old sports reporter working for Telemundo, covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans when he was tragically murdered.
Question: What charges does Danette Colbert face?
Danette Colbert faces charges of second-degree murder in connection with Manzano’s death, as well as being a habitual offender due to her extensive criminal history involving fraud and theft.
Question: What led to the investigation of Colbert?
The investigation into Colbert began after Manzano’s body was found, with credit card transactions traced back to her, as well as surveillance footage showing her as the last person seen with him before his death.
