A Louisiana woman faces second-degree murder charges in the death of Telemundo reporter Adan Manzano, who was found dead in his New Orleans hotel room on February 5, while covering the Super Bowl. According to NBC Miami, the suspect, 48-year-old Danette Colbert, was initially arrested for stealing Manzano's belongings but now faces more serious charges.

Security footage showed Colbert as the last person with Manzano before his death, The New York Times reported. In the days after, she allegedly used Manzano's stolen credit card to make purchases in the area. Authorities also arrested 34-year-old Rickey White, an alleged accomplice, on theft and fraud charges after his arrest in South Florida.

As per the NBC Miami report, the initial autopsy results did not clearly indicate if Manzano’s death was accidental or a homicide, but the Jefferson Parish coroner confirmed that he died from positional asphyxia, worsened by alcohol and Xanax. "Both of them are central nervous system depressants, and when you add them up they're really bad," the coroner explained. "One of the dangers is you end up in a position where you are obstructing your ability to breathe." These findings are central to the case against Colbert.

Following Manzano’s death, there has been criticism regarding previous legal proceedings involving Colbert. Representatives for Orleans Parish Criminal District Court Judge Nandi F. Campbell did not respond to requests for comment. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill called for a harsher sentence under the state’s repeat offender law, arguing that Colbert should not have received probation. Authorities have also referenced correspondence and information indicating potential collusion between Colbert and White, as stated by Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley, though no additional details were given.

If convicted of second-degree murder, Colbert faces a mandatory life sentence without parole. The investigation into Manzano’s death continues as the case moves forward.