Louis Jury Convicts Woman in Death of Telemundo Reporter, Acquits Accomplice

Key points

• Danette Colbert was convicted of negligent homicide and racketeering; Rickey White was acquitted of manslaughter but convicted of racketeering.
• Adan Manzano, a Telemundo Kansas City reporter, was found dead in Kenner, Louisiana, on February 5, 2025, days before the Super Bowl.
• An autopsy determined Manzano died from asphyxia after ingesting alcohol and the depressant Xanax while lying face down on a pillow.
• Prosecutors described the defendants' scheme as drugging victims in the French Quarter to steal their bank accounts and personal items.
• Christian Anderson, a third accused, testified against Colbert and White in exchange for a plea deal, receiving a six-year prison sentence.
• Colbert’s negligent homicide conviction carries a maximum 10-year sentence, while racketeering carries up to 50 years.

Background

This case follows a pattern of violent crimes linked to major sporting events, though distinct from the recent negligent homicide arrests in Istanbul or the homicide investigation in Mississippi. The archive notes a separate case in Austria involving a 'rape network' and a death in Mississippi involving a hanging, both highlighting ongoing scrutiny of homicide investigations and drug-facilitated crimes. The current case, however, is unique in its specific connection to media personnel covering the 2025 Super Bowl and the specific legal distinction between manslaughter and negligent homicide in Louisiana.

How outlets are covering it

The Guardian and The New York Times both report the mixed verdict, noting the jury's rejection of the manslaughter charge in favor of negligent homicide for Colbert. The Guardian emphasizes the 'party girl' and 'pimp' dynamic described by prosecutors, while The New York Times highlights Manzano's personal tragedy, noting he had lost his wife in a car accident the previous year and was covering his third consecutive Super Bowl. Both outlets agree that the racketeering conviction for both defendants is a significant outcome, despite the acquittal on the homicide charge for White.

Why it matters

The case underscores the risks faced by journalists in major cities during high-profile events and the legal complexities of prosecuting drug-facilitated crimes. The mixed verdict highlights the difficulty in proving intent for manslaughter in cases involving drugging and theft, potentially influencing future prosecutions of similar 'party girl' scams in tourist-heavy areas like New Orleans.

What to watch

Sentencing for Danette Colbert and Rickey White is scheduled for late September 2026. The Jefferson Parish District Attorney's office has expressed satisfaction with the verdict, while defense attorneys have not yet responded to requests for comment. Manzano's family was unable to attend the trial, and his employer, Telemundo Kansas City, has not issued a public statement.