Louisiana Jury Convicts Woman, 49, in Reporter's Death as Man Becomes 2nd Acquitted
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 18
Louisiana Jury Convicts Woman, 49, in Reporter's Death as Man Becomes 2nd Acquitted
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 18
Summary
Danette Colbert, 49, was convicted of negligent homicide in the 2025 death of Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old TV reporter covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans; Rickey White, 35, was acquitted of manslaughter.
Jurors also found both Colbert and White guilty of racketeering after more than five hours of deliberation, leaving each exposed to a charge carrying up to 50 years in prison; negligent homicide carries up to 10 years.
Manzano, a journalist for KGKC's Telemundo affiliate in Kansas City, was found dead in his hotel room after missing an appointment; authorities said he died from Xanax and alcohol toxicity combined with positional asphyxia.
Prosecutors said Colbert was the last person seen with Manzano, stole his phone and credit card, and had Xanax in her home; a third defendant, Christian Anderson, took a plea deal and testified at trial.
Sentencing is set for Sept. 28 in a case that drew attention because Manzano had traveled to New Orleans for his third straight Super Bowl assignment.