Authorities in Louisiana are investigating the death of a Telemundo reporter who was in New Orleans for Super Bowl coverage. A woman has been arrested in connection with the use of his credit card, police announced Friday.
Adan Manzano, 27, an anchor and reporter for Telemundo’s Kansas City affiliate, was found dead Wednesday in his hotel room in Kenner, a city near New Orleans.
On Thursday evening, police took 49-year-old Danette Colbert into custody. She faces multiple felony charges, including fraud and theft, as well as a separate charge related to possession of a stolen firearm. However, authorities do not believe the firearm is linked to Manzano’s case.
Surveillance Video Places Woman at Scene
Investigators say hotel security footage captured Colbert entering Manzano’s room with him around 5 a.m. on the day he was found dead. Roughly an hour later, she was seen leaving alone. Police allege that after his death, Colbert used Manzano’s credit card at multiple locations. His credit card and phone were later discovered at her residence in Slidell, a city northeast of New Orleans.
Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley revealed that narcotics were also found at Colbert’s home, but authorities believe she acted alone. Conley described Colbert as a “career criminal” with a history of fraud-related offenses.
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“This is a tragic reminder to always be aware of your surroundings,” Conley said. “There are individuals who take advantage of others, luring them into a false sense of trust before exploiting them.”
Attempts to reach Colbert for comment were unsuccessful.
Cause of Death Remains Unclear
The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office is conducting an autopsy and toxicology tests to determine the cause of Manzano’s death. While no visible signs of physical trauma were found, results may take several weeks. Officials have not yet classified his death as a homicide.
A Rising Star in Journalism
Manzano was a well-regarded journalist passionate about sports reporting. Telemundo Kansas City General Manager Steve Downing described him as a “rising star” who was dedicated to his craft and community.
“He was always smiling and took pride in delivering the best sports coverage,” Downing said. “He was excited about the possibility of covering another Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory.”
Originally from Mexico City, Manzano later settled in Kansas. He was also a devoted father to his 2-year-old daughter, whom he had been raising with family support after his wife’s tragic passing in a car accident last year.
The investigation into his death remains ongoing.
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