The mysterious death of 27-year-old Telemundo Kansas City reporter Adan Manzano, who was in New Orleans to cover Super Bowl events, has taken a grim turn. Two suspects — a woman with a criminal past and a man believed to be her accomplice — have now been formally charged with second-degree murder, theft, and multiple fraud-related crimes. Authorities believe the killing may be tied to a larger pattern of drug-facilitated robberies spanning years.

Danette Colbert and her alleged accomplice, Rickey White, have both been arrested for their roles in the death of Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano
Danette Colbert and her alleged accomplice, Rickey White, have both been arrested for their roles in the death of Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano

Who Was Adan Manzano?

Adan Manzano was a rising star in Hispanic sports journalism. He served as a sports anchor at Telemundo Kansas City and a commentator for Tico Sports, known for his vibrant coverage of NFL games and community outreach. Colleagues describe him as "brilliant, passionate, and deeply committed to his role as a journalist and father."

Manzano traveled to Louisiana ahead of Super Bowl LIX to report on pre-game activities. His body was discovered on the morning of February 5, 2025, at the La Quinta Inn by Wyndham near New Orleans International Airport — just hours before the Super Bowl.

Suspect #1: Danette Colbert — Career Con Artist Turned Murder Suspect

Name: Danette Colbert
Age: 48
Residence: Slidell, Louisiana
Charges: Second-degree murder, theft, identity fraud, possession of controlled substances

Colbert was first caught on hotel surveillance cameras entering Manzano’s room late at night on February 4 and leaving alone several hours later. Investigators allege she drugged Manzano using Xanax, which was found in his system during the autopsy. Colbert was later found in possession of Manzano’s cellphone, wallet, and credit cards, which were used at multiple retail locations and gas stations across New Orleans.

The investigation revealed Colbert had a criminal history involving similar tactics: drugging men in French Quarter bars, stealing their belongings, and disappearing before they could regain consciousness. Police have linked her to at least four prior drug-theft cases in Louisiana.

Suspect #2: Rickey White — Accomplice with a Record

Name: Rickey White
Age: 34
Residence: Arrested in Florida, extradited to Louisiana
Charges: Second-degree murder, robbery, criminal conspiracy

Rickey White, arrested in early April, is accused of being Colbert’s partner in a long-running scheme that targeted men through nightlife encounters. Digital forensics uncovered text messages and GPS data showing coordination between Colbert and White, including discussions of “dosage” and “timing” — allegedly referring to drug use during robberies.

According to detectives, the pair used benzodiazepines such as Xanax to incapacitate their victims without causing immediate harm — but in Manzano’s case, the combination of alcohol and sedatives led to positional asphyxia, ruling the death a homicide.

Adan Manzano, an anchor and reporter for Telemundo in Kansas City, Missouri, was found dead in his hotel room in a New Orleans suburb during Super Bowl week
Adan Manzano, an anchor and reporter for Telemundo in Kansas City, Missouri, was found dead in his hotel room in a New Orleans suburb during Super Bowl week

Timeline of the Crime

  • Feb 4, 11:17 PM: Colbert enters Manzano’s hotel room.

  • Feb 5, 3:44 AM: She is seen exiting alone, carrying a duffel bag.

  • Feb 5, 10:15 AM: Housekeeping staff find Manzano unresponsive.

  • Feb 6: Autopsy confirms presence of Xanax and cause of death.

  • Feb 10: Colbert arrested in New Orleans.

  • Apr 3: White apprehended in Florida.

  • Apr 12: Both charged with second-degree murder.

What Police Say

Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley stated, “This was not a random act. This was a premeditated drug-and-rob scheme that ended in a young man’s death. We believe these two suspects may be connected to similar crimes going back several years.”

Authorities are now reopening cold cases and encouraging other potential victims to come forward.

Community and Family Reactions

Manzano leaves behind a young daughter and grieving family. Telemundo and local journalism communities across the U.S. have called for justice, launching a memorial fund to support his child’s education.

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