Super Bowl reporter dead in Louisiana hotel had Xanax in system after ‘Bourbon Street Hustler’ meetup: police

The tragic death of 27-year-old sports reporter Adan Manzano during his assignment to cover the Super Bowl in New Orleans has sent shockwaves through the journalism and sports communities. Manzano, a rising star at Telemundo based in Kansas City, Missouri, was found unresponsive in his hotel room at the Comfort Suites in Kenner, Louisiana, on February 5. A preliminary toxicology report revealed the presence of Alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax, in his system, though the full report has not yet been made public. This detail adds a critical piece to the puzzle of what may have led to his untimely death. As authorities investigate, they are working to piece together the events of Manzano’s final days, which have led them to a suspect with a troubling history of alleged drugging and robbery.

Two days after Manzano’s body was discovered, police arrested 45-year-old Danette Colbert, a woman who has been dubbed the “Bourbon Street Hustler” on social media. Colbert faces multiple charges, including robbery, fraud, and fugitive offenses, in connection with Manzano’s death. Authorities believe she may have drugged Manzano, stolen his credit cards, and left him in his hotel room before his body was found. Colbert was denied bond during a hearing on February 9, and investigators are now exploring whether she may be linked to another fatal incident in New Orleans. The case has raised concerns about the safety of visitors to the city, particularly during major events like the Super Bowl.

Surveillance footage from the Comfort Suites hotel provides a chilling timeline of Manzano’s final hours. According to Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley, Manzano and Colbert were seen together in the French Quarter in the early hours of February 5 before arriving at the hotel around 4:30 a.m. They entered Manzano’s room, but Colbert left shortly after, running to a nearby store and returning about 30 minutes later. She departed the room again within 10 to 15 minutes, and Manzano was never seen on surveillance footage after that. This sequence of events has led investigators to believe Colbert was the last person to see Manzano alive. Detectives later discovered that one of Manzano’s credit cards was missing, which prompted them to track its use and ultimately identify Colbert as a suspect.

The investigation into Manzano’s death has uncovered a pattern of alleged criminal behavior by Colbert, who police say has a history of targeting men in New Orleans and other cities. Conley described how Colbert would gain the trust of her victims before incapacitating them, often through drugging, and then stealing their valuables. By the time her victims regained consciousness, they would find themselves stripped of their belongings and financial resources. This modus operandi has left a trail of victims, many of whom may be reluctant to come forward due to the sensitive nature of the crimes. Police are urging anyone with information about Colbert or her activities to cooperate with the investigation.

As the probe into Manzano’s death continues, authorities are also exploring whether Colbert may be connected to another fatality in New Orleans from December. Conley stated that while the investigation is still ongoing, there is enough evidence to suspect Colbert’s involvement in this second case. Police are working with the New Orleans Police Department, state authorities, and the attorney general’s office to gather more information before drawing conclusions. Meanwhile, a search of Colbert’s residence turned up a stolen firearm and narcotics, though it is unclear if these items are directly tied to Manzano’s death. Additional charges against Colbert may arise as the investigation unfolds.

The loss of Adan Manzano has been met with an outpouring of grief from his colleagues and the community he served. Telemundo 39, where Manzano worked, remembered him as “a true professional and a rising star who exemplified excellence in his work.” His passion for sports and his contributions to the local community have left a lasting legacy, and his absence will be deeply felt. As the investigation into his death continues, the case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by travelers and the importance of vigilance, especially in busy cities like New Orleans. For now, the focus remains on seeking justice for Manzano and ensuring that those responsible for his death are held accountable.