TV Reporter Found Dead in New Orleans, Suspect Arrested \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Police are investigating the death of Adan Manzano, a Telemundo reporter from Kansas City, found dead in his New Orleans hotel room. Authorities have arrested Danette Colbert, 48, for using his credit card and other fraud-related charges. Surveillance footage shows Colbert with Manzano hours before his death, and police recovered his credit card and phone at her residence. Investigators await autopsy and toxicology results to determine the cause of death.
TV Reporter’s Mysterious Death: What We Know So Far
- Adan Manzano, 27, a Telemundo Kansas City reporter, was found dead in his hotel room.
- Danette Colbert, 48, was arrested for fraud and theft after using Manzano’s credit card.
- Surveillance footage shows Colbert entering and leaving Manzano’s room before his death.
- His credit card and phone were found at Colbert’s residence in Slidell, Louisiana.
- No visible trauma was found on Manzano’s body; toxicology tests are pending.
- Colbert is a known fraud suspect with a history of criminal activity in New Orleans.
- Manzano was a rising sports journalist, covering the Kansas City Chiefs and Super Bowl events.
TV Reporter’s Death in New Orleans: A Deep Look
The tragic death of Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old television reporter, has left the journalism community in shock as police investigate the circumstances surrounding his passing. Manzano, an anchor and reporter for Telemundo in Kansas City, Missouri, had traveled to New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl but was found dead in his hotel room on Wednesday.
Authorities have since arrested Danette Colbert, 48, who was caught on surveillance footage accompanying Manzano to his hotel room before his death. She has been charged with multiple felony counts, including fraud and theft after using Manzano’s credit card at local stores. However, police have not yet determined whether foul play was involved in Manzano’s death.
Discovery of Manzano’s Body
Manzano was staying at a hotel in Kenner, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans, during his Super Bowl assignment. Hotel staff discovered his body in his room on Wednesday, prompting an immediate police investigation. No signs of physical trauma were found, and authorities are now awaiting autopsy and toxicology results to determine the exact cause of death.
Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley confirmed that a full autopsy is underway, but initial findings did not reveal any immediate indications of foul play. The coroner’s office is also conducting toxicology tests, with results expected to take three to four weeks.
Danette Colbert’s Arrest and Criminal History
On Thursday evening, authorities arrested Danette Colbert, a Louisiana resident with a long history of fraud-related crimes. According to public records, Colbert is 48 years old and has a past record of involvement in fraud schemes across New Orleans.
She now faces four felony charges, as well as misdemeanor fraud and theft charges related to the unauthorized use of Manzano’s credit card.
Additionally, Colbert was found in possession of a stolen firearm, a separate felony charge unrelated to Manzano’s case. Kenner police confirmed that narcotics were also uncovered at her residence during the investigation.
Authorities believe Colbert acted alone, and so far, there is no indication of other suspects being involved.
Surveillance Footage and Key Evidence
Police reviewed security footage from the hotel, which showed Colbert and Manzano arriving together at his room around 5 a.m. on the day of his death. Approximately an hour later, Colbert was seen leaving the room alone, raising suspicions about her involvement.
Later, investigators discovered that Colbert used Manzano’s credit card at multiple stores in the area following his death. Further police searches led to the recovery of Manzano’s credit card and cellphone at Colbert’s residence in Slidell, northeast of New Orleans.
Authorities continue to piece together the timeline of events, but the full extent of Colbert’s involvement remains unclear pending toxicology results.
Police Warning and Public Awareness
During a press conference on Friday, Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley issued a warning about criminals who target unsuspecting victims.
“Everybody should be aware of their surroundings,” Conley said. “There are people out there that prey on others, bring them into their confidence, and victimize them.”
Police emphasized that while Colbert has been arrested, investigations are still ongoing to determine whether Manzano’s death was natural, accidental, or the result of foul play.
Attempts to contact Colbert for a statement have been unsuccessful. A phone number linked to her residence has been disconnected, and no one has responded to emails associated with her.
Remembering Adan Manzano
Manzano was a talented journalist and bilingual anchor, well-respected in the industry for his passion and dedication to covering sports.
Telemundo Kansas City General Manager Steve Downing described Manzano as a rising star who had already made a name for himself in the sports journalism world.
“You would always see him with a smile on his face,” Downing said. “He was very committed to serving the local community by providing them the best in sports news.”
Manzano had covered the Kansas City Chiefs’ past two Super Bowl victories and had been eagerly anticipating the possibility of reporting on a third consecutive win.
A Life Cut Short
Born in Mexico City, Manzano later moved to Kansas, where he built his career in journalism. He was also a dedicated father, raising his 2-year-old daughter alone after his wife tragically died in a car accident last year.
His sudden passing has left a void not just in the news industry but also among friends, family, and colleagues who admired his dedication to his work.
What’s Next in the Investigation?
With Danette Colbert now in custody, investigators are focused on determining the exact cause of Manzano’s death. The results of the autopsy and toxicology report will be crucial in revealing whether his death was natural, drug-related, or a result of foul play.
For now, the case remains an active investigation, with authorities working to ensure justice is served.
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