In a tragic incident during Super Bowl week, 27-year-old Telemundo sports reporter Adan Manzano is found dead in his hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana, on February 5, 2025. Subsequent investigations lead to the arrest of two individuals: Danette Colbert, 48, and Rickey White, 34, both facing serious charges related to Manzano’s death.
Manzano, in New Orleans to cover Super Bowl events, is discovered unresponsive in his hotel room. The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office determines that his death results from “positional asphyxia” combined with the effects of alcohol and Alprazolam (Xanax). His blood alcohol level is found to be .232, nearly three times the legal limit. Notably, Manzano does not have a prescription for Xanax.
Surveillance footage reveals Colbert accompanying Manzano to his hotel room on the morning of February 5 and departing alone an hour later. Following the discovery of Manzano’s body, authorities find his credit card and cellphone in Colbert’s possession, along with Xanax at her residence. Initially charged with theft and fraud, Colbert now faces a second-degree murder charge.
Rickey White, identified as Colbert’s alleged accomplice, is apprehended in Hollywood, Florida, by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and local police. He faces charges including simple robbery, bank fraud, computer fraud, access device fraud, and illegal transmission of monetary funds. Investigators believe Colbert and White collaborate in a scheme to drug and rob victims, leading to Manzano’s untimely death.
Colbert has a history of fraud and theft charges. In an unrelated case last year, she is convicted of theft and fraud. Authorities allege that she and White have a pattern of drugging and robbing individuals, with evidence suggesting their involvement in similar crimes.
Manzano, originally from Mexico City, is a rising star in sports journalism. He joins Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports, covering the Kansas City Chiefs and engaging with the Spanish-speaking community. His sudden death has left colleagues and the community in mourning. Telemundo Kansas City expresses profound sadness, highlighting Manzano’s professionalism and dedication.
Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley emphasizes the commitment to a thorough investigation, acknowledging the circumstantial nature of the case but expressing confidence in the evidence gathered. Both suspects remain in custody as the investigation continues.
Sources:
- Louisiana woman charged with second-degree murder in death of Super Bowl reporter Adan Manzano
- Woman Charged with Murder in Death of Kansas City Chiefs Reporter Adan Manzano
- Bourbon Street Hustler charged with murder, may have worked with accomplice after giving Super Bowl reporter deadly ‘blackout cocktail’
- Cause of Death for Chiefs Reporter Adan Manzano Revealed, as Authorities Say Accused Murderer Had Accomplice
- Super Bowl reporter’s death leads to arrests in New Orleans, South Florida, authorities say
- Super Bowl reporter’s cause of death revealed as suspect charged
- Woman charged with second-degree murder after sports reporter found dead in hotel room
- Woman charged with murder of reporter Adan Manzano at Super Bowl
- Woman charged with murder in death of Telemundo Super Bowl reporter
- Woman charged with murder in death of Super Bowl reporter Adan
- Kansas City reporter’s murder leads to charges
