What started as a dream Super Bowl assignment for Kansas City Telemundo sideline reporter Adan Manzano is now heading to a Jefferson Parish courtroom. A parish judge has set a trial date for three people accused in Manzano’s death after he was found in his Kenner hotel room during Super Bowl week. The defendants, Danette Colbert, Rickey White and Christian Anderson, are charged with manslaughter and racketeering in what prosecutors say was a long-running scheme to drug and rob tourists. All three have pleaded not guilty and are being held in jail while pretrial motions continue.
Prosecutors describe a coordinated enterprise
In court filings, prosecutors sketch out what they call a coordinated criminal operation. Colbert is described as the “party girl” who would approach alleged victims and bring alcohol or drugs. White is portrayed as her “pimp,” accused of supplying narcotics and helping to steal cash or cards. Anderson is alleged to have handled coordination and technical support for the scheme, according to NOLA.com. Investigators point to phone records and text messages, including messages that prosecutors say reference a drug called “KO” or “knockout,” as evidence of an organized pattern of theft and fraud.
Autopsy, video and cards used after his death
An autopsy found that Manzano died of asphyxiation while lying face down on a pillow, with the combined toxic effects of alcohol and the sedative Xanax listed as contributing factors, according to The Associated Press. Security footage from the Comfort Suites shows Manzano entering a room with a woman later identified as Colbert and Colbert leaving alone about an hour later. Authorities say she then used his credit card at businesses in the area, CBS News reported.
Court filings and pretrial details
Newly unsealed court documents outline what prosecutors describe as a criminal enterprise dating back to 2012 that targeted tourists for drugging and robbery. The filings list multiple alleged incidents in which victims had cash, credit cards, phones and jewelry taken, according to WDSU. In Jefferson Parish court, the three defendants entered not guilty pleas. Judges set bond amounts and ordered them held at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center while the district attorney’s office builds its case, per court records cited by WDSU.
What’s next
The newly scheduled trial date was first reported by NOLA.com. Defense attorneys have rejected earlier plea offers and signaled that they plan to challenge the racketeering theory in upcoming pretrial hearings. Prosecutors, for their part, say the next stage of the case will center on witness lists, forensic analysis of phone and financial records, and disputes over what evidence jurors will be allowed to see, KCTV5 reported.
Victim and investigation status
Manzano, 27, is survived by a young daughter and was remembered by colleagues as a rising sports reporter whose career was just taking off, according to The Associated Press. Investigators say other unnamed associates appear to be linked to the alleged scheme and that the broader probe remains active as additional charges and court preparations continue, WDSU reported.
