Louisiana Attorney General Announces 25-Year Sentence for Murder of Sports Reporter

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Maril announced on Thursday that a woman has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for the murder of a Kansas City sports reporter back in February.

The victim, 27-year-old Telemundo Sports Reporter Adan Manzano, was in New Orleans for the Super Bowl when he was found dead in a room at the Comfort Suites hotel in Kenner. Authorities discovered that Xanax was present in his system.

Maril expressed gratitude for the collaboration between her office and local law enforcement, particularly thanking Chief Daniel Smart and District Attorney Jason Williams for their pivotal roles in the case.

This week, a judge in New Orleans ruled in favor of the Attorney General’s office and confirmed that the murder suspect, 45-year-old Dannet Colbert, is a habitual offender with a history of felony convictions, including fraud. She currently faces second-degree murder charges in Jefferson Parish.

Interestingly, there are indications that Colbert may be linked to another death, with authorities suspecting her involvement in a recent fatality.

In 2024, the Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office found Colbert guilty of theft and computer fraud, but a judge imposed only a 10-year suspension. The AG’s office contested this sentence, citing Colbert’s prior felony status. However, the judge did not change it.

The court acknowledged Colbert’s repeated offenses and ultimately sentenced her to 25 years without the possibility of parole.

Maril shared her condolences, saying, “I wish I could save Adan Manzano’s life. His family and colleagues are in my thoughts and prayers.” Colbert is facing serious charges for her role in Manzano’s death.

Also known as the “Bourbon Street Hustler,” Colbert allegedly drugged her victims, including Manzano, stealing his credit card before he was found dead.

Police Chief Keith Conley remarked, “I don’t want Colbert to see the light of day again.” Colbert’s accomplice, Ricky White, has also been apprehended and faces multiple charges, including murder tied to Manzano’s case.

The pair reportedly met in the French Quarter shortly before heading back to the hotel where surveillance footage showed them together just before Manzano’s death. After the incident, detectives discovered that one of Manzano’s credit cards had been used, leading them to Colbert.

Conley speculated that the suspects have connections to broader drug and robbery rings in New Orleans and Las Vegas, and he believes Colbert may be tied to other violent crimes.

Authorities are urging anyone with additional information about Colbert’s activities to come forward, acknowledging that some victims may hesitate to do so due to the sensitive nature of the crimes involved.