Police investigate if Telemundo Super Bowl reporter was drugged before he died

The Tragic Death of Adam Manzano and the Suspicions Surrounding Danette Colbert

The death of Telemundo reporter Adam Manzano, 27, in a New Orleans hotel room has sent shockwaves through the community, sparking a lautrecht investigation into whether he was drugged before his tragic passing. Manzano, who was in the city to cover the Super Bowl, was last seen on security footage being lured into a hotel room by Danette Colbert, a 48-year-old woman with a history of drugging and stealing from men. Colbert, known as the “Bourbon Street Hustler,” was found in possession of Manzano’s cellphone and credit card, leading authorities to suspect her involvement in his death. The Kenner Police Department has revealed that Colbert has a history of targeting men, drugging them, and stealing their valuables. As they await the results of Manzano’s toxicology report, officials are working to determine if he fell victim to Colbert’s alleged modus operandi.

A Pattern of Exploitation: Danette Colbert’s History of Crimes

Danette Colbert’s arrest in connection with Manzano’s death has uncovered a disturbing pattern of exploitation and criminal behavior. Since her arrest, several alleged victims have come forward, detailing their own harrowing experiences with her. One such victim is David Butler, a 52-year-old man who claims Colbert drugged him in November 2021 after meeting him at a French Quarter bar. Butler alleges that Colbert and another woman offered him a cocktail, after which he became disoriented and lost consciousness. The next thing he remembers is waking up in a strange location, his phone, wallet, and cryptocurrency account gone. Over $80,000 in retirement savings was stolen from him, and his credit cards were used to make thousands of dollars in purchases at stores like Best Buy and Walmart.

Butler’s experience is not an isolated incident. Colbert has faced similar charges in the past, including grand larceny and administering drugs to aid in felony crimes in Nevada in 2022. However, both cases were dismissed after the victims refused to testify. Despite this, Colbert was convicted in October 2023 of computer fraud, theft, and illegal transmission of monetary funds. She was sentenced to five years of probation and ordered to pay restitution, but she did not receive any prison time. Butler, among others, has expressed outrage over the lenient sentence, arguing that it failed to hold Colbert accountable for her actions and potentially put others at risk.

The Judicial System’s Response and Its Critics

The lenient sentence handed down to Danette Colbert has sparked widespread criticism, particularly from victims like David Butler, who believe that the justice system failed to take her crimes seriously. Butler has been vocal in his condemnation of Orleans Criminal District Judge Nandi Campbell, who presided over Colbert’s case. He argued that had Colbert been given a harsher sentence, including incarceration, Adam Manzano might still be alive today. “Had the court acted decisively by incarcerating Ms. Colbert or enforcing stricter conditions for her release, it is possible Mr. Manzano would still be alive today,” Butler told NBC News. He also wrote a scathing letter to Judge Campbell in December 2023, slamming the minimal fines and lack of meaningful consequences for crimes that could have led to serious harm or death. “The minimal fines and lack of meaningful incarceration for crimes that could have led to serious injury or loss of life are, quite frankly, an insult to public safety and the justice system,” Butler wrote.

Butler’s criticism highlights a broader issue with how the judicial system handles cases involving repeat offenders like Colbert. While Colbert’s lawyer and Judge Campbell’s office have not responded to requests for comment, the case has raised questions about whether the justice system is doing enough to protect vulnerable individuals and hold offenders accountable. The dismissal of previous charges due to victims’ refusal to testify also underscores the challenges of prosecuting such cases, where victims may fear retaliation or feel traumatized by the experience.

The Personal Toll on Victims and the Call for Justice

The impact of Danette Colbert’s alleged crimes extends far beyond the financial losses suffered by her victims. Men like David Butler have been left with emotional scars, a deep sense of vulnerability, and a mistrust of the justice system. Butler has been closely monitoring Colbert’s activities since his own encounter, fearing that she would continue to harm others. His worst fears were realized when Adam Manzano was found dead under suspicious circumstances. “She wouldn’t stop,” Butler said, expressing his belief that Colbert would continue to prey on innocent people unless held accountable. For Butler, the death of Manzano is a tragic reminder of what he believes could have been prevented had the justice system taken stronger action.

The case has also reignited a broader conversation about public safety and the need for tougher penalties for repeat offenders. Advocates argue that lenient sentences for crimes involving drugging and theft send the wrong message and fail to protect the community. As the investigation into Manzano’s death continues, many are hoping that this tragedy will lead to meaningful changes in how such cases are handled. Butler’s story, along with those of other alleged victims, serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of failing to address these issues.

Conclusion: A Call for Accountability and Change

As the investigation into Adam Manzano’s death continues, the focus remains on uncovering the truth about the circumstances surrounding his tragic passing. The toxicology report, which could reveal whether he was drugged, is eagerly awaited by both law enforcement and the public. In the meantime, the case has brought attention to the broader issue of repeat offenders like Danette Colbert and the need for stronger accountability within the justice system. For victims like David Butler, the hope is that Manzano’s death will serve as a catalyst for change, ensuring that no one else falls victim to Colbert’s alleged scheme. “If someone dies due to her actions in the future, their blood will undeniably be on the hands of those who allowed her to escape real accountability,” Butler warned. As the community mourns the loss of Adam Manzano, the call for justice and accountability grows louder, urging the system to take a firmer stance against those who prey on the vulnerable.