Danette Colbert, a 48-year-old woman from Slidell, Louisiana, has been arrested in connection to the death of Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old Telemundo sports reporter who was covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans. Colbert, who has a criminal history involving drugging men and stealing their credit cards, was seen on surveillance footage leaving Manzano’s hotel room before allegedly using his credit card at multiple stores.
While Colbert has not yet been officially charged with Manzano’s death, police are investigating whether she drugged him. The Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office is currently conducting toxicology tests to determine if substances were involved in his death.
In this article, we will explore Danette Colbert’s background, criminal history, charges, and connection to the tragic death of journalist Adan Manzano, including information about her past arrests and fraud schemes.
Danette Colbert Short Details
| Full Name | Danette Colbert |
|---|---|
| Age | 48 (as of 2025) |
| Hometown | Slidell, Louisiana, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Criminal Record | Multiple fraud, theft, drugging cases |
| Recent Charges | Bank fraud, theft, possession of a stolen firearm |
| Notable Cases | Previously accused of drugging and stealing from men in Las Vegas and Louisiana |
| Current Status | Arrested in connection with Adan Manzano’s death |
Who Is Danette Colbert? Criminal Background and Arrest History
Danette Colbert has a long history of financial fraud, theft, and drugging victims, according to law enforcement. She has been arrested multiple times across different states for similar offenses.
Past Criminal Charges:
- 2016: Accused of using a stolen credit card in New Orleans after allegedly drugging and stealing from a man on Bourbon Street.
- 2017: Convicted of access device fraud and possession of stolen property. Sentenced to three years in prison.
- 2022 (January): Arrested in Las Vegas for allegedly drugging a man and stealing $50,000 from him.
- 2022 (Second Case): Charged with administering a drug to aid in committing a felony and grand larceny.
- 2024: Convicted in Louisiana for theft and fraud. Ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution.
Colbert has a pattern of meeting men at bars or casinos, drugging them, and stealing their credit cards and valuables. She has previously been accused of stealing cash, jewelry, poker chips, and electronics from multiple victims.
Connection to Adan Manzano’s Death
How Colbert Was Caught
According to Kenner Police, security footage showed Colbert entering Manzano’s hotel room around 4:30 a.m. on February 5, 2025, and leaving alone shortly afterward. A few hours later, she was allegedly seen using Manzano’s credit card at various stores in New Orleans.
Later that day, hotel staff discovered Manzano unresponsive in his room when he failed to check out. There were no visible signs of trauma, and investigators are now waiting for toxicology reports to determine if he was drugged.
Current Charges Against Colbert
So far, Colbert has only been charged with property crimes, including:
- Bank fraud
- Theft
- Possession of a stolen firearm (unrelated to Manzano’s case)
However, police have not ruled out more serious charges pending the toxicology report results.
Who Was Adan Manzano?
- Telemundo Kansas City sports reporter and anchor
- 27 years old, originally from Mexico City
- Covered Kansas City Chiefs games and the Super Bowl
- Widower—his wife Ashleigh Boyd died in a car accident in 2024
- Leaves behind a 2-year-old daughter, now orphaned
Past Cases of Drugging & Theft by Danette Colbert
Colbert’s criminal methods involve targeting men in bars, casinos, and nightlife areas, then drugging them and stealing their belongings. Some of her known cases include:
- Las Vegas (2022):
- Met a man at a casino bar, went to his hotel room.
- He woke up alone, with a bloody nose and missing $50,000, a Rolex, poker chips, and designer luggage.
- Colbert was arrested but the case was dismissed after the victim refused to testify.
- New Orleans (2016):
- Victim met Colbert on Bourbon Street.
- His credit card and phone were stolen after spending the night with her.
- She was caught trying to use his card at Walmart for a $1,600 gift card purchase.
- Las Vegas (Second Case, 2022):
- Accused of drugging another man and stealing large amounts of cash.
- Charges were dropped when the victim declined to appear in court.
What’s Next for Colbert?
- Awaiting Toxicology Reports: If drugs are found in Manzano’s system, Colbert could face manslaughter or murder charges.
- Investigation Ongoing: Kenner Police believe she acted alone, but they are looking into other potential victims.
- Possible Federal Charges: Since credit card fraud and interstate crimes are involved, the case could be taken over by federal authorities.
FAQs About Danette Colbert & Adan Manzano’s Case
1. Who is Danette Colbert?
Danette Colbert is a 48-year-old woman from Louisiana with a history of drugging men and stealing their money and credit cards.
2. What is she accused of in the Adan Manzano case?
Colbert was seen entering and leaving Manzano’s hotel room before using his credit card. She has not yet been charged with his death, but police are investigating.
3. Did Danette Colbert kill Adan Manzano?
It is not yet confirmed if Colbert caused his death. Toxicology tests are pending to see if she drugged him.
4. What crimes has Colbert committed before?
She has multiple arrests for fraud, theft, and drugging men, including cases in Las Vegas and New Orleans.
5. How did police catch her?
- Security footage showed her leaving Manzano’s room.
- She was caught using his stolen credit card.
- Police found his credit card and phone at her house.
6. What happens next in the investigation?
Police are waiting for autopsy and toxicology results to determine Manzano’s cause of death. More charges could be filed.
7. Who was Adan Manzano?
A Kansas City Telemundo sports reporter who covered the Super Bowl. He was a widower and father to a 2-year-old daughter.
8. How did Manzano’s wife die?
His wife, Ashleigh Boyd, died in a car accident in 2024.
9. Is Colbert a serial criminal?
Yes, she has multiple cases involving drugging men and stealing from them over the years.
10. Will Colbert face more charges?
Possibly. If drugs are found in Manzano’s system, she could be charged with homicide.
Conclusion
Danette Colbert has a long criminal history of targeting men, drugging them, and stealing their money. While she is not yet charged with murder, the investigation into Adan Manzano’s death is ongoing. If toxicology results show he was drugged, Colbert could face more serious charges.
This case highlights the dangers of fraud schemes and serves as a warning to be cautious when interacting with strangers in nightlife settings.
“NOTE: This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. Readers are advised to verify the details independently from reliable sources.”
