- Danette Colbert was convicted of negligent homicide in the death of Telemundo reporter Adan Manzano, who was found dead in his hotel room on February 5, 2025, just days before the Super Bowl.
- Colbert was also found guilty of racketeering, along with her accomplice Rickey White, who was acquitted of manslaughter but convicted of racketeering.
- The jury deliberated for five and a half hours before reaching their verdict, according to the district attorney's office.
- Colbert and White are scheduled to be sentenced in late September.
- Prosecutors alleged that Colbert and White ran a criminal enterprise in the French Quarter, where they drugged and robbed victims, including Manzano.
- Christian Anderson, an accomplice, testified against Colbert and White in exchange for a plea deal and was sentenced to six years.
- Colbert was the last person seen leaving Manzano's room, and an autopsy revealed he died from a combination of alcohol and Xanax.
A Louisiana jury convicted Danette Colbert of negligent homicide in the death of Telemundo reporter Adan Manzano, who was found dead in his hotel room on February 5, 2025, just days before the Super Bowl.1
Manzano's cause of death was determined to be a mix of Xanax and alcohol, leading to positional asphyxia.
Prosecutors argued that Colbert's actions directly contributed to Manzano's death, stating that Xanax, his debit card, and a hotel key were found in Colbert's residence.
Rickey White, Colbert's accomplice, was acquitted of manslaughter but found guilty of racketeering, which carries a potential 50-year sentence.2
The two were accused of running a criminal enterprise that targeted victims in New Orleans' French Quarter, drugging them and stealing their belongings.5
The prosecution presented evidence of their extensive criminal activity, including a collage of 80 driver's licenses and Social Security cards belonging to other victims.
The defense argued that the relationship between Colbert and White did not constitute racketeering, suggesting they were merely petty thieves.4
The jury's verdict reflects the serious nature of the charges, with Colbert facing significant legal consequences for her role in this tragic case.
“Colbert's negligent homicide conviction carries a maximum 10-year sentence, while racketeering carries up to 50 years; both are set for sentencing in late September. The jury deliberated five and a half hours, and prosecutors presented a collage of 80 driver's licenses and Social Security cards from alleged victims.”
CBS News
WDSU
