Telemundo Reporter Found Dead: 'Bourbon Street Hustler' Case Unfolds

Telemundo Reporter Found Dead: 'Bourbon Street Hustler' Case Unfolds

3 minute read
Published: 2/12/2025

Danette Colbert, arrested for using the credit card of Telemundo reporter Adan Manzano, now faces scrutiny as authorities investigate whether her actions contributed to his mysterious death in a New Orleans hotel room.

Colbert's arrest comes after Manzano, who recently lost his wife in a car crash and left their daughter orphaned, was found dead in a hotel room under suspicious circumstances. The investigation is focusing on whether Colbert drugged Manzano before his death, given her prior criminal history of drugging and robbing men. As authorities continue to gather evidence, additional charges could stem from the coroner's findings, intensifying the scrutiny on Colbert.

Surveillance footage showed Colbert luring Manzano into a hotel room, which has raised significant questions about the events that unfolded before his death on February 5, 2025. The video has become a central piece of evidence as investigators seek to piece together the timeline leading to Manzano's demise. Authorities are currently assessing the circumstances surrounding his last moments and the nature of his interactions with Colbert in the hours before he was found dead.

When Manzano's body was discovered, police found his credit card and phone missing from the hotel room, which prompted a swift investigation into his last known whereabouts. The use of Manzano's credit card by Colbert solidified their connection and led to her arrest shortly afterward. Law enforcement officials have stated that they are pursuing a thorough investigation into how her actions may correlate to Manzano's untimely death.

Colbert's history is troubling, as she has a well-documented record of previous criminal activity involving drugging men and stealing from them. She has faced numerous convictions for theft, fraud, and illegal monetary transactions, with law enforcement having identified her as a repeat offender in similar cases. A notable previous victim, David Butler, has accused Colbert of drugging him and stealing significant savings, a claim that echoes the nature of the allegations now surrounding her involvement in Manzano's case.

Authorities are keen to determine whether Manzano was indeed drugged before his death. Toxicology reports may reveal a range of substances in his system, providing further insight into the circumstances leading to his tragic end. Such findings would help to clarify if Colbert's alleged tactics in previous cases were applied in this instance, potentially informing further charges against her.

The implications of this case extend beyond Colbert's actions; Manzano's death has left a young girl without her father after she already lost her mother in a tragic accident. The emotional toll on the family continues to reverberate through the community, particularly as details surrounding his death continue to unfold. Friends and colleagues have expressed their shock and distress at the news, emphasizing the loss felt not just within his immediate family, but also among colleagues at Telemundo.

As the investigation progresses, law enforcement is also exploring Colbert's prior criminal cases, particularly those that occurred in Las Vegas. Each of these past incidents involved strikingly similar allegations, reinforcing the scrutiny she faces in the ongoing investigation. The discovery of any further evidence from Manzano's case could lead to additional charges against Colbert, extending her legal troubles just as she faces the consequences of her prior criminal conduct.

Local law enforcement has assured the community that they are diligently working to uncover all aspects of this case, appealing to potential witnesses who may have had encounters with either Colbert or Manzano leading up to his death. Police emphasize the critical importance of gathering any relevant information that could inform their understanding of the events that transpired in that hotel room.

The unfolding case of Danette Colbert illustrates a wider concern regarding the safety of individuals engaging in nightlife activities. As authorities look to build a case, community members are reminded of the risks associated with trusting strangers in social environments, particularly in areas that may attract opportunistic behavior. The closure and clarity on Manzano's tragic death may also serve as a catalyst for discussions around public safety and the protection of individuals against predatory behavior.