KENNER, La. (WGNO) — A Louisiana woman has been arrested after the death of a Kansas City reporter who was visiting New Orleans to cover Super Bowl LIX.
Danette Colbert, of Slidell, was arrested Friday after an investigation revealed she was reportedly using reporter Adan Manzano's credit cards at multiple stores in the New Orleans area, according to the Kenner Police Department.
A credit card and cellphone belonging to Manzano were found during a search of Colbert's home, Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley said. Also found were drugs and a stolen firearm, which police said they don't believe is related to this case.
Officers said security cameras captured Colbert with Manzano on Wednesday morning, then leaving his hotel room alone later that morning.
Manzano, 27, died Wednesday in New Orleans while on assignment for Telemundo Kansas City and Tico Sports, KGKC-TV said in a news release, as reported by Nexstar's WDAF. KGKC did not say how he died.
According to Kenner police, Manzano was found unresponsive inside his Kenner, Louisiana, hotel room.
Colbert, who has a prior arrest record, is only charged with property crimes, including fraud and theft-related offenses.
"The investigation is ongoing ... as soon as the coroner finishes with his finding they will classify it as either a homicide or whatever death the evidence leads them to, and these charges could be upgraded," Conley said.
Police said she has been previously arrested on allegations of drugging men, currency theft, fraudulent use of credit and debit cards, and other financial crimes.
This was Manzano’s third season covering the Super Bowl for Telemundo KC.
“Adan was a true professional and a rising star, who exemplified excellence in his work,” KGKC said in a statement. “We will deeply miss Adan and his passion for sports, and the contributions he made to the local community. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”