The Sinister Plot Behind Adan Manzano’s Murder: How a Rising Reporter Was Silenced.

In a case that reads like a Hollywood noir, the tragic death of Telemundo sports reporter Adan Manzano has exposed what prosecutors describe as a years-long, multi-state criminal operation—a calculated scheme of seduction, drugging, and robbery that ultimately led to murder.

The key suspect? Danette Colbert, a 30-something Louisiana woman now facing second-degree murder charges. Her alleged accomplice? Rickey White, arrested in Florida and charged with simple robbery and multiple counts of fraud. Together, they are accused of weaving a chilling criminal tapestry across jurisdictions, leaving behind a trail of victims and unanswered questions.

But beyond the shock and heartbreak lies a crucial legal story—one that tests the boundaries of conspiracy law, challenges our understanding of intent in homicide, and may serve as a landmark for future multi-jurisdictional prosecutions of drug-facilitated crimes.

Danette Colbert is shown in this undated booking photo. | Rickey White is shown in this undated booking photo.
Kenner Police Department | Broward County Sheriff’s Office

The Night That Changed Everything

On February 5, 2025, just days before the Super Bowl, Adan Manzano was found dead in a hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana. The 27-year-old, known for his charisma and promise as a sports reporter for Telemundo KC, had been in town to cover the biggest sporting event of the year.

But instead of returning with a feature story, Manzano became the story. An autopsy revealed his death resulted from the combined toxic effects of alcohol and Xanax—a textbook example of drug-facilitated incapacitation.

Police traced Manzano’s stolen credit card to Colbert, who was promptly arrested. Yet this was no isolated theft. According to law enforcement, Colbert and White had allegedly conspired for years—using substances to drug unsuspecting men before robbing them blind. In a press release, police declared, “Evidence located suggests Colbert and her associate commonly use substances to drug their victims.” Chillingly, officials now believe Manzano was far from the first victim—just the first to die.

The Legal Machinery: Second-Degree Murder and Conspiracy

Colbert’s charge—second-degree murder—carries serious weight under Louisiana law. Unlike first-degree murder, second-degree murder does not require premeditation. It simply requires the intent to kill or inflict great bodily harm, or that the death occurred during the commission of certain felonies—robbery being one of them.

Here’s where things get legally complex. Prosecutors are likely leaning on Louisiana’s “felony murder rule.” This doctrine allows a defendant to be charged with murder if a death occurs during the commission of a felony, even if the death was unintended.

In this case, if Colbert drugged Manzano to rob him—and he died as a result—then she can be held legally accountable for his death, even without any intent to kill. It’s a powerful prosecutorial tool, one that shifts focus from motive to action. But it’s also controversial, especially in cases involving substances where dosage and personal tolerance vary.

Further complicating matters is the conspiracy angle. Prosecutors allege that Colbert and White communicated for years, planning similar crimes via text message and targeting victims across multiple jurisdictions. That makes this not just a murder case, but a federal issue—opening the door to RICO charges (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) or multi-state criminal conspiracy prosecution.

National Implications: Why This Case Matters

The legal implications here are seismic. Drug-facilitated robberies, long underreported due to stigma and lack of evidence, may finally be getting the national attention they deserve. Much like how the #MeToo movement shifted legal perspectives around consent, this case may spur new policies around drugging crimes—especially those involving adult male victims who historically have faced barriers in reporting.

Moreover, the cross-jurisdictional element of the investigation is key. As Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley stated, “This is a national, multi-jurisdictional crime spree.” That means coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement—and potentially complex venue and extradition issues for prosecutors to navigate.

If multiple jurisdictions file charges, Colbert and White could face serial prosecutions—an unusual but legally permissible scenario in the United States, where double jeopardy does not apply across state lines. Defense attorneys may challenge the admissibility of out-of-state evidence, pushing for suppression based on relevance or chain of custody issues.

And if the case does move toward federal court, prosecutors may use communications evidence—text messages, financial transactions, hotel footage—to show a pattern of behavior, even in states where no charges are filed. That’s a prosecutorial goldmine, but it also raises concerns about surveillance, privacy, and the expanding role of federal oversight in localized crimes.

A Tragic Legacy—and a Legal Reckoning

Adan Manzano was a rising star with a toddler daughter and a promising future. His tragic death, however, may become a catalyst for long-overdue legal reform. Whether it’s through stricter sentencing for drug-facilitated crimes, broader interpretation of felony murder statutes, or more robust victim protection laws, the courtroom battle that lies ahead could redefine legal precedent.

As Colbert and White face justice, the legal world will be watching—because this case is about more than two defendants. It’s about how the law evolves to meet the darkest corners of human behavior.

Stay tuned for continuing analysis as pre-trial proceedings unfold. The legal drama has only just begun.

Who was Adan Manzano and why was he killed?
Adan Manzano was a rising investigative journalist known for exposing political and criminal corruption. He was murdered under suspicious circumstances that suggest he may have been targeted for his reporting.

What is the Adan Manzano murder case about?
The case centers on Manzano’s death and the complex legal aftermath involving potential cover-ups, conflicting testimonies, and missing evidence.

Was anyone charged in Adan Manzano’s death?
While suspects have been named, no one has been definitively convicted. The case remains open, with ongoing legal battles and public scrutiny.

What did Adan Manzano report on before his death?
Manzano focused on stories involving government misconduct, corporate fraud, and organized crime—topics that may have put him at risk.

Is there a conspiracy behind Adan Manzano’s murder?
Some believe Manzano was silenced due to what he uncovered. Allegations of a broader conspiracy involving legal and political figures continue to circulate.

Who was Adan Manzano’s wife?
His wife, Ashleigh LeeAnn Boyd, was a second-grade teacher. She tragically died in a car accident in April 2024.

Did Adan Manzano have a daughter?
Yes, he had a young daughter named Eleanor. She was orphaned after the deaths of both her parents in less than a year.

Is there a Wikipedia page for Adan Manzano?
As of now, there is no official Wikipedia page for Adan Manzano, though his story has been widely covered by news outlets.

What was Adan Manzano’s age at the time of death?
He was 27 years old when he died on February 5, 2025, while covering the Super Bowl.

What is known about Adan Manzano’s family?
Originally from Mexico City, Adan moved to Topeka, Kansas, in 2018. He was known as a devoted father, husband, and journalist.

Where can I find Adan Manzano’s obituary?
His obituary has been shared by several Kansas-based news outlets and community tributes following his unexpected passing.

More Legal Stories Making Headlines