A woman accused of murdering the Super Bowl reporter Adan Manzano has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.
As previously reported, Manzano, 27, was found dead in a hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana, on February 5, while in town to cover Super Bowl LIX for Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports.
Hotel surveillance footage showed him entering his room around 4:30AM with Danette Colbert, 48. She was later seen leaving alone.
According to police, Colbert was arrested a day later after being caught using Manzano’s credit card and possessing his phone.
A preliminary toxicology report found that Manzano died from the combined effects of alcohol and Xanax. He had not been prescribed the medication, leading investigators to believe he had been drugged.
Kenner Police described Colbert as a “career criminal” with a long history of fraud and drugging allegations. “She plays a confidence game, she's definitely a career criminal,” said Police Chief Keith Conley. “She was found quite frequently in the French Quarter, and she's known for these fraud schemes.”
Colbert, who has faced prior allegations across several states, was charged with second-degree murder in connection with Manzano’s death.
According to PEOPLE, on Thursday (May 15), the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office announced that the suspect was sentenced to 25 years in prison for a separate theft and fraud case - one that had previously resulted in a suspended sentence. That conviction has now been enforced in light of her latest arrest.
"The evidence was overwhelming that this woman was a serial fraudster and took advantage of multiple tourists and innocent people over many years in the French Quarter," the Attorney General’s Office said in a statement posted to Facebook.
Manzano’s sudden death has left a deep void in the sports broadcasting world. He was described by his colleagues as a rising star and a passionate contributor to local media.
"Adan was a true professional and a rising star, who exemplified excellence in his work. We will deeply miss Adan and his passion for sports, and the contributions he made to the local community," Telemundo KC shared on Facebook.
Beyond his professional achievements, Manzano was also a devoted father. His toddler son is now left without both parents - his wife, Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd, died in a car crash in April 2024.
“She was a ray of sunshine and always had a smile on her face,” her obituary read. “Her sparkling personality was contagious and would light up any room she walked into.”
Our thoughts continue to be with the journalist's loved ones.