In a chilling turn of events, a Louisiana woman with a notorious past has been linked to the death of a Telemundo reporter in New Orleans.

A woman suspected of using a deceased reporter's credit card was arrested after she was seen leaving his hotel room, where he was staying ahead of Sunday's Super Bowl, as the New York Post reports.

48-year-old Danette Colbert from Slidell, Louisiana, was captured on hotel surveillance footage exiting the room of Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old journalist working for Telemundo. This incident occurred in Kenner, a suburb of New Orleans, where Manzano was stationed to cover Super Bowl activities.

Following her departure, Colbert reportedly used Manzano's credit card at several locations throughout New Orleans. Manzano was later found unresponsive in his hotel room, approximately 12 hours after Colbert was observed on the surveillance camera leaving the scene.

The Kenner Police quickly turned their focus towards Colbert, whose criminal background included charges related to drugging men and committing various financial crimes.

Past Marred by Criminal Behavior

In previous cases, Colbert was charged with introducing substances into her victims and possessing stolen property. These incidents form a disturbing pattern that has seen her involved in similar crimes across multiple states, including Nevada in 2022.

“She has a rap sheet that includes allegations of drugging men, theft of currency, fraudulent use of credit and debit cards, and other financial crimes,” stated Chief Keith Conley of the Kenner Police. The persistent recurrence of such offenses in her criminal history prompted law enforcement to consider the possibility of Colbert having again resorted to her old ways.

Adan Manzano, originally from Kansas City, had moved to New Orleans for Super Bowl coverage when his life was tragically cut short. Before his untimely death, he had suffered a personal loss, with his wife Ashleigh Boyd dying in a car crash in April, an event that left their toddler daughter parentless.

Investigation Points to Past Crimes

Officers are now awaiting the results of toxicology tests being conducted by the Jefferson Parish Coroner’s Office to determine if Manzano was subjected to any drugs, although initial examinations showed no obvious signs of trauma. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Mark McCormick underscored the importance of considering Colbert’s history in the ongoing investigation.

“There are allegations in [Colbert’s] past criminal history that make us consider that,” McCormick noted, discussing the pattern of behavior that has been seen in Colbert's previous criminal activities.

This investigation occurs amid a backdrop of grief for Manzano, who once expressed his enduring love for his late wife on social media with a heartfelt message, “Always in my heart Ashleigh Boyd.”

Legal Proceedings Begin

As this case unfolds, the community is reminded once more of the risks journalists often face, whether on duty or not. While covering one of the biggest sporting events, Manzano became a victim under circumstances that are still being fully uncovered.

Danette Colbert now faces multiple charges including bank fraud, theft, access device fraud, and possession of stolen property, adding to her extensive criminal record. Law enforcement authorities are meticulously piecing together her actions before and after the event to build a robust case against her.

The implications of this case extend beyond just a criminal investigation; it is a poignant reminder of the enduring impacts of crime on families and communities.

Lessons to Learn

This tragic event highlights several critical reminders for everyone:

1. Always ensure the security of personal belongings and sensitive information, especially in public and unfamiliar places.
2. Maintain awareness of your surroundings and be cautious of interactions that seem out of the ordinary or unnecessarily invasive.
3. Though precautions can help minimize risk, it is important to remember that anyone can become a victim of crime. Victim-blaming serves no constructive purpose.

Ultimately, while we can strive to prevent crime, it's crucial to recognize that responsibility lies with the perpetrators, not the victims.

Why This Story Matters

The case of Adan Manzano reflects on deeper societal issues including the safety of individuals actively working in the field, the devastating impact of repeated offenders on communities, and the harsh reality of unresolved personal grief intertwining with professional threats.

This narrative is a stark reminder of the continuum of crime impacting diverse facets of daily life and its ripple effects across personal, professional, and societal realms.

In summing up, the arrest of Danette Colbert not only reopens unresolved questions about her past crimes but also forces a reflection on broader social safety and justice mechanisms. As this case progresses, it will undoubtedly serve as a critical examination point for law enforcement and community safety advocates alike.