Super Bowl LIX reporter death: Surveillance video emerges of suspect with victim

New video shows Adan Manzano, the 27-year-old Telemundo reporter that was found dead in his New Orleans hotel room in the days before Super Bowl LIX, walking to a hotel room with the alleged “Bourbon Street Hustler” in the hours before his death, according to the New York Post.

Manzano and a female companion, since identified as 48-year-old Danette Colbert, were seen smiling and walking together through the lobby and hallways to the room of the New Orleans hotel where he would later be found dead. Colbert was later arrested and found with Manzano’s cellphone and credit card, with investigators revealing they are looking into whether she drugged and robbed the reporter.

Investigators are awaiting toxicology test results to determine Manzano’s cause of death. After news of Colbert’s arrests spread, Kenner police began receiving complaints from victims reporting similar crimes, Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley told NOLA.com. 

Colbert, from neighboring Slidell, La., is also reportedly being investigated in connection with another mysterious death of a Maryland man, 55-year-old John Jenkins, who was found dead from cocaine and ethanol toxicity in a French Quarter hotel on Dec. 15, according to NOLA.com.

“We suspect she may be related to the case,” Kenner Police Deputy Chief Mark McCormick said of the earlier case, which was initially classified as an accidental death according to NOLA.com.

Nevada court records show Colbert was charged with grand larceny and administering a drug to aid in the commission of a felony in two separate cases in 2022, but both cases were dismissed after the victims refused to testify, according to the Post.

Colbert was previously convicted last October of computer fraud, theft, and illegal transmission of monetary funds, with Orleans Criminal District Judge Nandi Campbell forgoing prison time and instead ordered her to pay restitution and five years probation, according to court records.

Reporter Adan Manzano dead at 27 on assignment at Super Bowl LIX

Manzano attended Kansas State after relocating to Topeka in 2018 from his hometown of Mexico City, according to FOX 4 KC.

This year’s Super Bowl was his third covering the Chiefs for KGKC, and he also served as a sideline reporter for Tico Sports’ Spanish broadcast while also doing play-by-play for the NWSL’s KC Current. During his career, he received multiple awards from the Kansas Association of Broadcasters in 2024.

Tico Sports also released a statement on Manzano’s death. The company expressed condolences to his family, including his young daughter, Eleanor.

“It is with a heavy heart that we can confirm the death of Adan Manzano Aguilar while in New Orleans on assignment for Telemundo Kansas City, and as a member of our Tico Sports Spanish broadcast team,” the statement read. “We are cooperating with law enforcement as they are investigating this tragic event. Adan was a talented and professional broadcaster, providing sideline coverage for the Kansas City Chiefs Spanish broadcast and play by play caller for the KC Current. He was an enthusiastic and energetic team player who was well liked and respected.

“Adan was a devoted father to his young daughter, a helpful colleague, and loyal friend. He will be greatly missed by our TICO Family and will live on in our hearts and memories.”

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.