A Louisiana jury has found Danette Colbert guilty of negligent homicide in connection with the death of Telemundo reporter Adan Manzano, who was visiting the New Orleans area to cover the Super Bowl. The 49-year-old woman was also convicted of racketeering, while her alleged accomplice, Rickey White, was found guilty of the same charge.
The verdict was delivered Thursday by a Jefferson Parish jury, bringing a major development in the case involving the 27-year-old journalist, who was found dead in a hotel room in Kenner in February 2025.
Jury Delivers Verdict in Reporter’s Death
Danette Colbert was convicted of negligent homicide in the death of Adan Manzano, a Kansas City-based Telemundo reporter and anchor. Manzano had traveled to the New Orleans area for Super Bowl coverage when he died on February 5, 2025.
According to prosecutors, Colbert was the last person seen leaving Manzano’s hotel room. An autopsy determined that the reporter died while lying face down on a pillow, unable to breathe after consuming a combination of alcohol and Xanax, a depressant medication.
Prosecutors had pursued a manslaughter conviction against Colbert and Rickey White. However, the jury found Colbert guilty of the lesser charge of negligent homicide. White was acquitted of manslaughter.
Prosecutors Describe Criminal Enterprise
The case also involved allegations of a long-running criminal operation in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter.
Prosecutors said Colbert and White had targeted victims by promising sexual encounters before using drugs to incapacitate them. The alleged scheme involved taking victims’ bank cards and phones and withdrawing money from their accounts.
Both Colbert and White were convicted of racketeering. Under Louisiana law, the offense carries a potential sentence of up to 50 years in prison.
The prosecution’s case centered on the circumstances surrounding Manzano’s death and the alleged criminal activities connected to the defendants.
Possible Prison Sentences and Next Steps
Colbert’s negligent homicide conviction carries a maximum sentence of 10 years, according to Jefferson Parish Assistant District Attorney Jenny Voss. Racketeering carries a substantially longer potential sentence of up to 50 years.
Voss said the jury had carefully considered the evidence presented during the trial and that she respected the decision.
The verdict marks a significant step in the legal proceedings, although the final punishment for Colbert will depend on sentencing.
