New Orleans ‘Bourbon Street Hustler’ suspect in Super Bowl reporter death may be tied to 2nd fatality: police

The tragic death of 27-year-old Telemundo reporter Adan Manzano during his assignment to cover the Super Bowl in New Orleans has sent shockwaves through the journalism community and beyond. Manzano, a rising star in sports journalism based in Kansas City, Missouri, was found dead in his hotel room at the Comfort Suites in Kenner, Louisiana, on February 5. The case has taken a dark turn as authorities have identified a suspect, Danette Colbert, a 45-year-old woman with a notorious reputation as the “Bourbon Street Hustler.” Colbert, who is now facing multiple charges, including fraud, robbery, and fugitive offenses, is suspected of drugging Manzano, stealing his credit cards, and possibly being involved in another death in New Orleans late last year. The investigation, led by the Kenner Police Department in collaboration with state and federal agencies, has uncovered a disturbing pattern of criminal behavior that has left a trail of victims in its wake.

Adan Manzano was a young and ambitious journalist whose passion for sports and storytelling had already begun to make an impact in the industry. As part of his assignment for Telemundo, he traveled to New Orleans to cover the high-profile Super Bowl event, a opportunity that would have been a career highlight for any reporter. However, his life was cut short under tragic and suspicious circumstances. Manzano was last seen alive in the early hours of February 5, when he and Colbert were captured on surveillance video entering his hotel room. Colbert, who reportedly met Manzano in the French Quarter, was seen leaving the room shortly after and was later tracked down through the use of Manzano’s stolen credit cards. What makes this case even more heartbreaking is that Manzano had already experienced a devastating loss just a year prior, when his wife, Ashleigh Boyd, died in a car accident in Kansas. His colleagues at Telemundo remembered him as “a true professional and a rising star who exemplified excellence in his work,” and his death has left a gaping hole in the lives of those who knew him.

Danette Colbert, the primary suspect in Manzano’s death, has a long and troubling history of targeting men, often in scenarios that involve drugging and robbing them. According to Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley, Colbert’s modus operandi involves gaining the trust of her victims, often in social settings, before incapacitating them through unknown means. Once her victims are unable to defend themselves, she allegedly steals their valuables, including credit cards, which she then uses to rack up charges at various locations. By the time her victims regain consciousness or realize what has happened, they are often left with significant financial losses and a deep sense of vulnerability. Colbert’s criminal activities are not limited to Louisiana; she has also been linked to similar cases in Las Vegas, where other men have fallen victim to her alleged schemes. The sheer scope of her alleged crimes has raised concerns among law enforcement agencies, who are now working tirelessly to piece together the full extent of her involvement in Manzano’s death and potentially other fatalities.

The investigation into Manzano’s death has revealed a chilling timeline of events that unfolded in the hours leading up to his passing. Surveillance footage from the Comfort Suites hotel shows Manzano and Colbert entering his room around 4:30 a.m. on February 5. Colbert was then seen leaving the room, running an errand to a nearby store, and returning approximately 30 minutes later. She left the room again shortly after, and Manzano was never seen alive again. The last known footage of him was when he entered the room with Colbert, and there is no record of him leaving or being seen by anyone else. Detectives later discovered that one of Manzano’s credit cards was missing, and by tracking its use, they were able to identify Colbert as a suspect. A search warrant executed at her residence uncovered a stolen gun and narcotics, though it remains unclear if these items were directly related to Manzano’s death. As the investigation continues, authorities are exploring the possibility that Colbert may have been involved in another death in New Orleans in December 2023, further adding to the complexity and gravity of the case.

The Kenner Police Department has been working closely with the New Orleans Police Department, state police, and the attorney general’s office to gather evidence and build a case against Colbert. Police Chief Keith Conley emphasized the importance of thorough investigation, stating that while Colbert is a suspect, it is crucial to avoid speculation and ensure that all conclusions are backed by concrete evidence. The case has also highlighted the challenges law enforcement faces in cases where victims are reluctant to come forward due to the sensitive nature of the alleged crimes. Between 12 and 13 tips have been received in connection with Colbert’s activities, but some victims have chosen not to speak publicly, underscoring the stigma and fear that can accompany such incidents. As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone with information to step forward, hoping that more details will come to light and bring closure to Manzano’s family and loved ones.

While the case against Colbert is still developing, the broader implications of her alleged crimes have sparked a conversation about the dangers of predatory behavior and the importance of vigilance in public spaces. Manzano’s death serves as a sobering reminder of the risks that individuals, particularly those in high-profile professions, can face when interacting with strangers. His colleagues and the wider journalistic community have remembered him as a dedicated and passionate reporter who had his entire career ahead of him. As the investigation into his death continues, there is a growing hope that justice will be served and that Colbert will be held accountable for her alleged actions. The case also raises questions about the systemic failures that may have allowed someone with Colbert’s criminal history to continue offending, and it highlights the need for greater awareness and support for victims of such crimes. For now, the focus remains on uncovering the truth and ensuring that no one else falls victim to the same kind of predatory behavior that took Adan Manzano’s life far too soon.