Suspect Questioned After Death of Telemundo Reporter In NOLA

Adan Manzano and suspect

Two days after a Kansas City Telemundo reporter visiting the New Orleans area to cover Super Bowl LIX was found dead in his hotel room, Kenner police have announced the arrest of a woman seen leaving his room and later using his credit cards at several local stores. 

Danette Colbert, 48, of Slidell, is only facing fraud and theft charges, said Deputy Chief Mark McCormick of the Kenner Police Department. But authorities noted that she has a criminal history that includes allegations of drugging men, theft and credit card fraud. Colbert has convictions in Jefferson and Orleans Parish for targeting tourists on Bourbon Street and illegally using the credit cards.

Adan Manzano, 27, of Topeka, Kansas, was working as a sideline reporter for KBKC, Kansas City's Telemundo affiliate, according to the station. 

He was found dead in a hotel room in Kenner on Wednesday, police said. His cause of death has not yet been determined. The Jefferson Parish Coroner's Office is awaiting the results of further testing. 

Colbert's charges could be upgraded pending Manzano's toxicology and autopsy report. No contraband was found in the hotel room. The investigation is ongoing.

Manzano died less than a year after his wife, Ashleigh Boyd, was killed in an April car crash. They are both survived by their daughter, Eleanor.

A reporter covering the upcoming SuperBowl has died in New Orleans. Adan Manzano was described as a "rising star" journalist. He covered university and professional sports teams in Kansas City since 2021, conducting interviews in both English and Spanish. pic.twitter.com/zmnh9yrvMO

— Inside Edition (@InsideEdition) February 7, 2025

Manzano had already filed several stories from Super Bowl 59, including a report from opening night and interviews with fans in New Orleans.

He was an enthusiastic and energetic team player who was well liked and respected," a statement from Tico Sports reads. "Adan was a devoted father to his young daughter, a helpful colleague, and loyal friend. He will be greatly missed by our TICO Family and will live on in our hearts and memories."

Kansas City-based Tico Sports is the official Spanish-language radio broadcaster for both the Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles during the Super Bowl.

Manzano was set to be a sideline reporter for the Spanish broadcast crew during Sunday's game.