New video links 'Bourbon Street Hustler' to reporter's death
A routine assignment turned fatal for 27-year-old Telemundo reporter Adan Manzano during Super Bowl coverage in New Orleans.
According to the New York Post, surveillance footage captured Manzano walking with Danette Colbert, known as the "Bourbon Street Hustler," to his hotel room shortly before his death.
The investigation has revealed disturbing connections between Colbert and multiple victims, including another recent death under similar circumstances.
Kenner Police are examining potential links to the December death of John Jenkins, a 55-year-old Maryland resident who succumbed to cocaine and ethanol toxicity in a French Quarter hotel.
Pattern of drugging and theft emerges across New Orleans
Colbert's criminal history shows a consistent pattern of drugging and robbing men in the New Orleans area. Multiple victims have stepped forward following Manzano's death, sharing similar accounts of disorientation and theft after encounters with the 48-year-old suspect.
David Butler, one of Colbert's alleged victims, provided a detailed account of his harrowing experience. Upon accepting a drink from Colbert in the French Quarter, Butler experienced sudden disorientation and memory loss. The incident resulted in substantial financial losses, including stolen cryptocurrency funds exceeding $80,000.
Law enforcement officials have revealed that following Manzano's death, investigators discovered Colbert in possession of the reporter's cellphone and credit card. This evidence pattern aligns with previous cases attributed to the suspect.
Previous legal encounters raise questions about the justice system
Court records from Nevada indicate Colbert faced serious charges in 2022, including grand larceny and drug-related felonies. Both cases were dismissed when victims declined to testify, highlighting challenges in prosecuting such cases.
David Butler expressed his frustration with the justice system's handling of Colbert's case, particularly regarding her October sentencing. Butler said:
Had the court acted decisively by incarcerating Ms. Colbert or enforcing stricter conditions for her release, it is possible Mr. Manzano would still be alive today.
Orleans Criminal District Judge Nandi Campbell's decision to forgo prison time in favor of probation and restitution has drawn criticism from victims and law enforcement alike. The ruling came despite Colbert's conviction on multiple charges, including computer fraud, theft, and illegal transmission of monetary funds.
Law enforcement agencies unite in expanded investigation
Deputy Chief Mark McCormick of the Kenner Police Department confirmed collaboration with multiple agencies. The Louisiana Attorney General's office and State Police Troop Nola have joined forces to investigate potential connections between Jenkins' death and Colbert's activities.
Investigators are particularly focused on similarities between the Jenkins and Manzano cases. Both victims were in New Orleans for football-related events when they encountered Colbert. Jenkins was attending a Saints and Washington Commanders game when he met his fate.
The investigation has expanded as more victims come forward with accounts of encounters with Colbert. Law enforcement officials are establishing a timeline of her activities and examining potential connections to other unreported incidents.
Final moments paint grim picture of reporter's fate
Security footage reveals the tragic sequence leading to Manzano's death. The young reporter was captured on camera carrying a plastic shopping bag while following Colbert to his hotel room. These images now serve as crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation.
The circumstances surrounding Manzano's final hours mirror patterns observed in other cases linked to Colbert. Investigators are analyzing the timeline between the security footage and the discovery of Manzano's body to establish a complete picture of events.
The impact of this incident has reverberated through the journalism community and raised concerns about safety protocols for reporters covering major sporting events. Media organizations are reviewing their security measures in response to this tragedy.
History repeats in deadly French Quarter encounters
Adan Manzano, a promising 27-year-old Telemundo reporter, lost his life while covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans after encountering Danette Colbert, a known figure with a history of drugging and robbing men. The incident occurred in the same hotel where his body was later discovered.
The case has prompted a multi-agency investigation involving local and state authorities, who are examining connections to similar incidents, including the December death of John Jenkins. Law enforcement continues to gather evidence and testimony from other victims who have come forward since Manzano's death, highlighting a pattern of criminal activity that has plagued the French Quarter area.