'Bourbon Street Hustler' Convicted in Unrelated Case, Sentenced to 25 Years for Sports Reporter Murder

Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill announced on Thursday that Danette Colbert, accused in the high-profile murder of Kansas City-based sports reporter Adan Manzano, has been sentenced to 25 years in prison. The sentencing follows a months-long investigation into the February incident that left Manzano dead at a Kenner hotel, with evidence suggesting he was drugged and robbed.

Manzano, a 27-year-old reporter for Telemundo, traveled to New Orleans to cover Super Bowl events. He was found deceased in his room at the Comfort Suites hotel with Xanax detected in his system. Authorities allege that Colbert, known as the "Bourbon Street Hustler," targeted Manzano in the French Quarter before accompanying him back to his hotel during the early morning hours of February 5th.

According to police, surveillance footage showed Colbert entering the hotel with Manzano around 4:30 a.m. She was later seen leaving the room alone. When police processed the scene, they discovered one of Manzano's credit cards missing. A search warrant subsequently traced the card’s use to Colbert, which helped authorities identify her as a suspect.

The case against Colbert was bolstered by her extensive criminal history. A New Orleans judge determined this week that she qualified as a habitual offender, citing her five prior felony convictions, all related to fraud. In addition to the second-degree murder charge pending in Jefferson Parish, Colbert was recently convicted in Orleans Parish of theft, computer fraud, and the illegal transmission of monetary funds. While she initially received a suspended 10-year sentence for those offenses, prosecutors pushed for a harsher punishment due to her repeat-offender status.

The Attorney General’s office filed a habitual offender bill, and Judge Nandi F. Campbell ultimately imposed a 25-year sentence without the possibility of parole or probation. "This is a testament to the hard work and cooperation between my prosecutors in New Orleans and State Police’s Troop NOLA," said AG Murrill, who also extended condolences to Manzano’s loved ones. "I wish we could have saved the life of Adan Manzano. His family and co-workers remain in my thoughts and prayers."

Authorities describe Colbert as a serial fraudster with a reputation for targeting male tourists in New Orleans’ French Quarter and robbing them after rendering them incapacitated. Police believe she and accomplice Ricky White, who was arrested in Florida, drugged Manzano before stealing from him. White faces charges ranging from simple robbery to murder.

Police Chief Keith Conley of the Kenner Police Department stated in March, "We don't want Ms. Colbert to see the light of day again." Investigators suspect Colbert in other similar cases both in New Orleans and Las Vegas, including another fatality where circumstances closely mirror the Manzano case.

• Colbert’s scheme reportedly involved drugging victims, rendering them unable to defend themselves.
• Once incapacitated, victims lost credit cards, cash, and personal belongings.
• Authorities are seeking additional victims and information about Colbert’s activities.

Police urge anyone with information to come forward, noting that some victims may be hesitant due to the sensitive nature of these crimes. During a search of Colbert's residence, investigators recovered a stolen firearm and narcotics, though the weapon did not appear connected to Manzano’s murder.

As Colbert awaits trial for second-degree murder in Jefferson Parish, officials emphasize their commitment to seeking justice for Manzano and ensuring the safety of future visitors. The investigation remains active, with law enforcement continuing to examine potential links to other crimes in multiple jurisdictions.