Tragic Death of Sports Reporter Before Super Bowl: Police Investigate Possible Link to Notorious ‘Career Criminal’ | CNN

CNN —

Adan Manzano, a sports reporter, was in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX. Tragically, he was found dead in his hotel room before the game began. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death and its possible connection to a local woman known for her past criminal activities.

At just 27 years old, Manzano was a rising star at a Telemundo station in Kansas City. He had just come to cover the prestigious event. Sadly, he never got to report on the outcome of the game, as the Kansas City Chiefs, who aimed for their third consecutive championship, lost to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Manzano’s body was discovered in a hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana, days before the game. Investigators are considering the possibility that he may have been drugged before his death.

Security footage revealed that Manzano entered his room with a woman named Danette Colbert around 4:35 a.m. on Wednesday. Colbert left shortly after, returned briefly, and then didn’t come back. Manzano was not seen leaving the room at all.

According to the police, Colbert and Manzano had met earlier the same day and were seen together in various parts of the city. Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley stated that they have video evidence supporting that connection.

When police arrived at the hotel, they found Manzano’s body along with missing belongings like his credit card and cellphone. Colbert, 48, was arrested the following Thursday on charges related to theft and fraud. During a search of her home, police found Manzano’s missing phone and credit card, as well as narcotics and a firearm.

Telemundo expressed their sorrow over Manzano’s death, saying he was a dedicated journalist and a beloved father to his 2-year-old daughter, who lives with family in Kansas. His wife passed away in a car accident just a year earlier.

Colbert has a long criminal history, including accusations of drugging men for theft. Although she faces charges for theft and fraud, she hasn’t been charged in connection with Manzano’s death yet.

Investigators are working with forensic experts to determine whether more charges may be needed as they await autopsy results and toxicology reports. These tests could take weeks to receive.

No drugs were found in Manzano’s hotel room, but police noted that since Colbert’s arrest, other individuals have come forward claiming they were victims of similar crimes or had experienced deaths under suspicious circumstances. The relationship between these incidents and Colbert remains unclear.

Chief Conley acknowledged the complexities of the case, saying, “We’re going to let the evidence lead us to the end result and not speculate.”