Details surrounding the demise of a journalist, who was in charge of covering the Super Bowl, could take several weeks before they’re made public, as per law enforcement authorities. Adan Manzano, a young man of 27 years, was reportedly last seen entering his hotel with Danette Colbert, aged 48, following an evening out in New Orleans. Manzano was covering the Super Bowl for the third consecutive year as a correspondent for both Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports.
His lifeless body was unfortunately discovered in his hotel room situated in Kenner, a location about 13 miles distant from New Orleans. The discovery took place on a Wednesday night, after his television station became concerned about him missing from his workplace duties. The heartbreaking revelation of this situation is that Manzano has left behind a little girl who lost her mother in a car collision last year, and now sadly, she finds herself an orphan.
No definitive cause of Manzano’s death has been reported so far, with authorities stating no evident signs of physical harm were present on his body. Law enforcement officials hint that it could potentially take almost a full month for a confirmed cause of death to surface. Disturbing footage has emerged recently showing Manzano in the company of Colbert, who has earned a reputation as a notorious criminal according to the police.
Reportedly, about sixty minutes after entering Manzano’s room, Colbert was found leaving it by herself. Following this, on Thursday evening, she was taken into custody when law enforcement learned that she might have utilized Manzano’s credit card, and this was discovered via the hotel’s record keeping system at various stores throughout New Orleans. At this point in time, she’s faced with charges of committing both theft and fraud.
Keith Conley, the Chief of KPD stated that upon a search of Colbert’s Slidell home, approximately 33 miles north of New Orleans, they discovered both Manzano’s credit card and mobile phone. Police records reveal her with a significant criminal history that includes accusations of incapacitating men, stealing money, and fraudulent activities involving credit and debit cards among other financial crimes.
Chief Conley further disclosed that Colbert had been apprehended several times within the French Quarter and is notoriously known for these fraudulent schemes. She is a master in winning people’s trust, a confidence trickster of sorts, described Conley. Without a doubt, she holds a lengthy criminal career.
Mark McCormick, the Deputy Chief, shared that they are currenty waiting for insights from the coroner’s toxicology report. He specified, ‘Every decision from hereon hinges upon the outcome of that report. Without receiving that piece of information, it’s improbable to form a stronger case or bring additional charges against Danette Colbert’.
During their investigation, authorities stumbled upon narcotics and a stolen weapon at her residence. However, it remains uncertain if these items correlate to Manzano’s unfortunate end. Manzano’s hotel chambers didn’t contain any prohibited substances or contraband.
Colbert, well known among the New Orleans populace as the ‘Bourbon Street hustler’, was previously arrested in 2022. Chief Conley used this unfortunate incident as a reminder and a warning for individuals planning to visit major cities such as New Orleans.
He cautioned with a strong note of concern, that there are individuals whose intention is to prey on the naivety of others, and take advantage of them. He alerted, ‘It’s important to remain cautious while visiting any prominent city and be aware of the risk of falling into the traps of such manipulative individuals. It’s a significant concern.’
A few months prior to his premature passing, Manzano lost his beloved wife, Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd, in an automobile accident at the young age of just 24. LeeAnn was a dedicated elementary school teacher and she lost her life in a fatal head-on collision involving two vehicles.
Their young and now orphaned daughter, not more than 15 months old at the time of her mother’s death, suffered critical injuries in the same car crash. Manzano had been on his third assignment of covering the Super Bowl for Kansas City’s Telemundo affiliate KGKC. His journey as a sideline reporter began with the Chiefs television crew at the commencement of the 2024 season.
His love for American football was kindled in Mexico City, from where he originally hailed. Since relocating to Topeka, Kansas, in 2018, his passion for the game continued to grow and he took great pride in his function as a storyteller of tales from diverse backgrounds. He subsequently graduated from Kansas State University.
Towards the end, one of his final Facebook posts projected a poignant family picture of his dearly loved wife and tiny daughter celebrating her first birthday. This tender memory was shared merely a year prior to his untimely demise, a fact that adds a tragic ending to Adan Manzano’s life.