Louisiana police announce update in ‘Bourbon Street Hustler’ case after Super Bowl reporter’s drug death

The death of Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old Telemundo sports reporter, while covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans, has sent shockwaves through his community. Manzano, who was based in Kansas City, Missouri, was found unresponsive in his hotel room at the Comfort Suites in Kenner. The initial toxicology report revealed the presence of Xanax in his system, suggesting a potential drug-related incident. This tragic event has led to an investigation uncovering a web of alleged criminal activities involving a woman known as Danette Colbert, or the “Bourbon Street Hustler.”

Danette Colbert, a 45-year-old with a history of targeting men, was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including fugitive charges, fraud, and robbery, in connection with Manzano’s death. Authorities suspect that Colbert drugged Manzano, steals his credit cards, and fled. Colbert’s modus operandi, as described by Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley, involves manipulating and incapacitating men, leaving them vulnerable to theft. This case is not isolated, as Colbert is linked to similar incidents in both New Orleans and Las Vegas, with investigations hinting at possible involvement in another death in December.

The investigation revealed that Manzano and Colbert met in the French Quarter, returning to his hotel around 4:30 a.m. Surveillance footage shows Colbert entering the hotel with Manzano and leaving later that morning. Her actions, including a quick trip to a store, raised suspicions. Detectives found a missing credit card, leading them to track its usage and identify Colbert. A search warrant executed at her residence uncovered a stolen gun, though unrelated to Manzano’s death, and narcotics, further implicating her.

Colbert’s history of coercing and tricking men, as detailed by Chief Conley, paints a broader picture of her alleged criminal activities. Men have been left incapacitated, waking up to find their belongings and finances depleted. The sensitive nature of these crimes often deters victims from coming forward, highlighting the challenge authorities face in building cases against her.

The legal proceedings against Colbert are ongoing, with the possibility of additional charges as the investigation continues. Her denial of bond underscores the severity of the charges, and the collaboration between local and state agencies aims to uncover the full extent of her alleged crimes.

The impact of Manzano’s death is deeply felt, with Telemundo remembering him as a dedicated professional and rising star in sports journalism. His passion and contributions leave a void in the community, emphasizing the human cost of such tragic events. As the investigation unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilant law enforcement and the need for continued awareness to prevent future victims.