Adan Manzano, Danette Colbert, and Ricky White: A Complex Investigation into the Death of Kansas City Reporter Adan Manzano, Involving Second-Degree Murder, Fraud, and Exploitation

The tragic death of Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old sports reporter for Telemundo in Kansas City, has shocked the community and the wider world of journalism. Manzano was in New Orleans to cover the Kansas City Chiefs’ appearance in Super Bowl LV, a major event for any sports reporter. His untimely passing on February 5, 2025, raised numerous questions and sparked an ongoing investigation that delves into the circumstances of his death. What was initially believed to be a simple, unfortunate incident has unfolded into a complex web of criminal behavior, involving fraud, robbery, and suspected murder.

Authorities confirmed that Manzano’s cause of death was positional asphyxia, which was exacerbated by the presence of high levels of alcohol and Xanax in his system. The toxicology results, revealing his blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit, painted a grim picture. Meanwhile, the involvement of Danette Colbert, a 46-year-old Louisiana woman who was last seen with Manzano before his death, has placed her under arrest on charges including second-degree murder, fraud, and theft. Another suspect, Ricky White, a transient, has been linked to the case, facing charges of robbery, computer fraud, and bank fraud.

The Tragic Discovery: Adan Manzano’s Last Moments

The timeline of Adan Manzano’s final hours paints a chilling picture of how things took a disastrous turn. On the morning of February 5, Manzano was seen entering his hotel room at the Clarion Inn in Kenner, Louisiana, with Danette Colbert, a woman with a troubled past and a criminal history marked by theft, fraud, and exploitation. Later that afternoon, hotel staff found Manzano unresponsive in his room, face down on his pillow. When paramedics arrived, they found no signs of life, and it was clear that Manzano had passed away.

The Jefferson Parish Coroner, Dr. Gerald Stanovich, conducted the autopsy and confirmed the cause of death as positional asphyxia. This condition, typically caused when a person’s body is positioned in a way that restricts their ability to breathe, was compounded by the presence of alprazolam (Xanax) and ethanol (alcohol) in Manzano’s system. The toxicology report revealed that Manzano’s blood alcohol level was over three times the legal driving limit, a staggering fact that suggested that Manzano may have been heavily intoxicated before the incident occurred.

However, investigators suspect that his death wasn’t just a tragic accident. The positioning of his body, coupled with the substances found in his system, led authorities to consider whether foul play was involved.

Danette Colbert’s Arrest and Charges

Danette Colbert’s arrest on February 7, 2025, has intensified suspicions that her involvement went beyond being merely a witness to Manzano’s death. Colbert, who had been seen leaving Manzano’s hotel room earlier that morning, is now facing multiple charges, including second-degree murder, bank fraud, computer fraud, robbery, and the illegal transmission of monetary funds.

According to investigators, Colbert’s behavior after Manzano’s death raised serious red flags. She was seen using Manzano’s credit card at a local store and was caught attempting to make fraudulent transactions on his account. Furthermore, Colbert allegedly stole Manzano’s phone, which was later found at her home. Authorities believe that Colbert’s motives were not simply tied to robbery, but that she was also exploiting Manzano in a broader scheme.

Colbert’s criminal history only complicates the case. She has a lengthy background of theft and fraud, including several cases of identity theft and fraud across Louisiana and Nevada. Many of these crimes were allegedly committed under circumstances where Colbert preyed on vulnerable individuals, often using drugs to incapacitate her victims. Her arrest has prompted several former victims to come forward, claiming that they had been similarly drugged and robbed by Colbert.

One particularly troubling incident involved a man who lost over $80,000 from his cryptocurrency account after allegedly being drugged by Colbert at a bar in New Orleans. This revelation highlights a pattern of calculated exploitation and raises questions about the true extent of Colbert’s criminal activities.

Ricky White’s Involvement: The Transient Link

Ricky White, a transient man with a history of petty crimes, has also been arrested in connection with the case. White faces charges of robbery, computer fraud, bank fraud, and the illegal transmission of monetary funds, which suggests that he may have been an accomplice to Colbert in her broader scheme of exploiting vulnerable individuals.

While White’s role in Manzano’s death remains unclear, investigators are working to piece together how he might have been involved in the crime. One theory is that White may have assisted Colbert in stealing Manzano’s credit card and phone, or that he was part of the network of criminals Colbert worked with. White’s arrest has shed light on the possibility of a larger criminal operation in New Orleans, one that preys on tourists and vulnerable individuals, often using drugs and fraudulent schemes to extract money and personal information.

A Pattern of Alleged Crimes: Linking the Deaths of John Jenkins and Adan Manzano

The investigation into Manzano’s death has uncovered a disturbing pattern of alleged criminal activities linked to Danette Colbert. Authorities are now looking into the death of another man, John Jenkins, who was found dead in a New Orleans hotel room on December 15, 2024. Jenkins, a 55-year-old man, was reported to have died from an accidental overdose involving cocaine and ethanol. However, investigators are beginning to suspect that Colbert might have played a role in his death as well.

Jenkins’ death, while ruled accidental, fits into the disturbing pattern of Colbert’s history of exploiting individuals in vulnerable situations. Colbert was reportedly seen at the same hotel shortly before Jenkins’ death, and authorities are now considering whether she may have drugged him, much like she is believed to have done with Manzano. If this connection is confirmed, it would strengthen the case against Colbert and suggest that her criminal activities may have led to multiple deaths.

Remembering Adan Manzano: A Talented Reporter with a Bright Future

Adan Manzano’s tragic death has left a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, and colleagues. Manzano was known for his dedication to his work and his vibrant personality. A talented and passionate sports reporter for Telemundo in Kansas City, Manzano had a promising career ahead of him. His loss is not just a blow to the journalism community, but also to the many people whose lives he touched.

Manzano was remembered by his colleagues as a hardworking, thoughtful individual who always went the extra mile to get the story right. His enthusiasm for sports journalism was matched only by his commitment to his craft and his ability to connect with others. Whether covering local sports or national events, Manzano’s presence at Telemundo was felt by many, and his death has left a significant gap in the newsroom.

Seeking Justice and Raising Awareness: The Ongoing Investigation

As the investigation into Adan Manzano’s death continues, the focus remains on seeking justice for the young reporter and raising awareness about the dangers of substance abuse, predatory behavior, and exploitation. Authorities are urging the public to be vigilant in their interactions with others, especially in environments where alcohol and drugs may be present.

The tragic case of Adan Manzano highlights the risks associated with substance misuse and the predatory behavior of individuals like Danette Colbert, who seek to exploit vulnerable people for personal gain. The investigation has also emphasized the importance of accountability for those who engage in fraudulent schemes, especially when their actions lead to the injury or death of innocent individuals.

Manzano’s death is a stark reminder that we must remain vigilant in protecting ourselves and others from exploitation and harm. It is also a call for more stringent penalties for individuals who use drugs and manipulation to prey on those who are vulnerable.

Conclusion: Honoring Adan Manzano’s Memory

The tragic death of Adan Manzano is a sobering reminder of the fragility of life and the need for greater community vigilance in preventing similar incidents from occurring. As the investigation unfolds and more details emerge, the Kansas City community and the broader world of journalism continue to mourn the loss of a bright and promising talent.

While Manzano’s death is a devastating blow, his legacy will live on through the stories he told and the lives he touched. The ongoing investigation into his death is an essential step toward achieving justice for Manzano and ensuring that those responsible for his untimely passing are held accountable for their actions. In the meantime, the focus remains on honoring his memory and raising awareness about the dangers of substance misuse, exploitation, and the importance of community safety.

Rest in peace, Adan Manzano. Your memory will never be forgotten.