‘Bourbon Street Hustler,’ arrested after Kansas City reporter death, needs resentencing for fraud history: AG

Louisiana’s Attorney General, Liz Murrill, has stepped in to pursue a harsher sentence for Danette Colbert, a 45-year-old woman with a history of criminal convictions, in connection with alleged fraud and theft charges linked to the death of a Kansas City-based Telemundo reporter during Super Bowl week in New Orleans. Colbert was arrested in Jefferson Parish in February and charged with using the debit and credit cards of Adan Manzano, a reporter who was found dead in his hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana. According to the Orleans Parish Coroner, Manzano had Xanax in his system at the time of his death, for which he did not have a prescription. Surveillance footage reportedly showed Colbert with Manzano in the early hours of his death, raising suspicions that she may have drugged him. While Colbert has not been charged in Manzano’s death, she remains in custody as authorities investigate her connection to his tragic passing and seek to impose a stricter sentence for her prior crimes.

Colbert’s extensive criminal history has drawn attention to her case, as she is a five-time convicted felon. Despite her lengthy record, Orleans Criminal District Court Judge Nandi Campbell sentenced her to a 10-year suspended prison sentence and five years of probation following a November conviction for fraud. However, Attorney General Murrill has invoked Louisiana’s habitual offender bill, which could significantly increase Colbert’s sentence due to her repeated offenses. Murrill’s office is now handling the case, citing its cross-jurisdictional nature, and has filed a motion to correct what it deems an “illegal sentence.” The Attorney General’s office has also revoked Colbert’s probation, arguing that her original sentence was ineligible for probation given her criminal history. This legal maneuvering highlights the state’s push to hold repeat offenders accountable and ensure stricter penalties for those who repeatedly break the law.

The case has gained additional complexity as Colbert has been named a suspect in a second death. Just days after her initial charges were filed, authorities linked her to the December 15 death of John Jenkins, a 55-year-old man who died from cocaine and ethanol toxicity in a New Orleans hotel room. While Colbert has not been charged in either Manzano’s or Jenkins’ deaths, her presence in both cases has raised red flags for investigators. Police are now examining whether her actions may have contributed to these fatalities, further fueling calls for a harsher sentence in her ongoing legal battle. Colbert’s lawyer and the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s office have declined to comment on the case, leaving many questions unanswered as the investigation continues.

Adan Manzano’s death has sent shockwaves through the journalism community, particularly among his colleagues at KGKC, the Dallas-based Telemundo affiliate he worked for. Manzano was covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans when he was found dead, and his station remembered him as a “true professional and rising star” who exemplified excellence in his work. KGKC expressed deep regret over his passing, praising his passion for sports and his contributions to the local community. Manzano’s death has not only saddened his colleagues but also raised concerns about the dangers that journalists may face while working in high-pressure environments like major sporting events.

As the legal battle over Colbert’s sentencing intensifies, the case has sparked broader discussions about justice, accountability, and the treatment of repeat offenders in Louisiana’s criminal justice system. The habitual offender bill allows prosecutors to seek longer sentences for individuals with multiple felony convictions, and Colbert’s case has become a prime example of how this law can be applied. Attorney General Murrill has emphasized the importance of ensuring that repeat offenders face appropriate consequences, arguing that Colbert’s original sentence was too lenient given her history. Her office’s decision to take over the case underscores the state’s commitment to upholding stricter penalties for those who repeatedly violate the law.

In summary, the case of Danette Colbert and the tragic death of Adan Manzano has become a focal point for discussions about justice, accountability, and the challenges of dealing with repeat offenders in Louisiana. As Colbert faces the possibility of a harsher sentence and remains under investigation for her potential role in two deaths, the legal system is being tested in its ability to balance punishment with fairness. The outcome of her case could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, ensuring that those who break the law repeatedly are held accountable for their actions.