Tragic Death of Kansas City Sports Reporter Raises Questions

News Summary

The death of Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano during Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans has led to a disturbing investigation. With links to a woman charged with fraud and her criminal history, the case highlights flaws in the Louisiana justice system. Investigators have found troubling evidence related to both Manzano’s death and the behavior of Danette Colbert, who allegedly used his credit card posthumously. As details continue to unfold, the community seeks justice for the beloved journalist and his family.

New Orleans: A Heartbreaking Case Unfolds Over Sports Reporter’s Tragic Death

In a shocking turn of events, the tragic death of Kansas City sports reporter Adan Manzano has taken a darker turn, raising serious questions about the criminal justice system in Louisiana. Manzano was found lifeless in his hotel room in February 2025 while he was in New Orleans for the much-anticipated Super Bowl LIX, where he was set to cover the Kansas City Chiefs for Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports. His untimely death has left the community in mourning and sparked a complicated investigation involving a woman named Danette Colbert.

Who is Danette Colbert?

Colbert, 48, finds herself at the center of this harrowing case, having been charged with fraud after allegedly using Manzano’s credit card following his death. Surveillance footage complicated matters, revealing that Colbert and Manzano were seen together in the bustling French Quarter and later at his hotel. But what makes this story even more unsettling is Colbert’s extensive criminal history that includes previous convictions for crimes such as computer fraud and theft.

The Louisiana Attorney General, Liz Murrill, has raised eyebrows regarding Colbert’s probation status. It appears that her prior criminal record should have made her ineligible for probation, stirring conversations around the implications of this oversight in the legal system. Murrill is now pushing for a motion to have Colbert resentenced under Louisiana’s habitual offender law, which would enhance the penalties she faces due to her status as a repeat offender.

Dark Past Revealed

Colbert’s troubling history dates back to 2009, with several prior convictions for drug-related offenses and access device fraud. In one notorious case from October 2024, she was convicted for drugging a victim and stealing from them. This adds a layer of chilling context to her connection with Manzano, as preliminary autopsy results indicate that a sedative drug known as alprazolam (commonly recognized as Xanax) was discovered in Manzano’s system at the time of his demise. This substance raises serious questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.

What Happened That Night?

New evidence is continuing to surface as investigators piece together the timeline of events. Colbert was captured on security cameras entering Manzano’s hotel room in the early hours of February 5, shortly before he was pronounced dead. Notably, she was seen leaving the hotel alone—raising questions and deepening the investigation into the nature of their interaction. To make matters worse, law enforcement later found Manzano’s credit card and cell phone at Colbert’s home in Slidell, further cementing the connection between the two.

What Lies Ahead?

The case is far from over, as authorities are still awaiting the full toxicology report related to Manzano’s death, which could potentially lead to additional charges against Colbert. A bond revocation hearing for her is slated for March 20 in Orleans Criminal Court. Given her disturbing history, many are bracing for the outcome and are hoping for justice for Manzano, who was not only a talented journalist but also a loving father. His passing comes less than a year after the loss of his wife, Ashleigh Boyd, leaving behind a young daughter.

As the details emerge, the community continues to rally around Manzano’s family, hoping for clarity and justice in a case that has turned so many lives upside down. With more developments expected soon, the heart-wrenching saga of Adan Manzano serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of life and the complexities of justice.

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Additional Resources

• KCTV5
• KSHB
• CBS News
• Fox 8 Live
• Wikipedia: Adan Manzano