Woman resentenced to life in prison for death of Telemundo journalist Adan Manzano

Danette Colbert's sentence enhanced under Louisiana habitual offender law for role in tourist-targeting criminal enterprise

By LineZotpaper

Published16 October 2026

Read Time2 min

A Louisiana judge has resentenced Danette Colbert to life in prison plus 75 years for her role in a criminal enterprise that targeted tourists in New Orleans and led to the death of Adan Manzano, a Telemundo Kansas City reporter who was in the city to cover the Super Bowl.

On Wednesday, Jefferson Parish Judge Nancy Miller resentenced 49-year-old Danette Colbert to life in prison plus 75 years under Louisiana's habitual offender law. In September, Colbert had been sentenced to a total of 60 years: 50 years for racketeering and a consecutive 10 years for negligent homicide in the death of Adan Manzano.

"The court is going to find that Ms Colbert is at least a fourth felony offender," Miller said during the resentencing.

Manzano traveled to the New Orleans area last February to cover the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl clash with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was found dead in his hotel room in Kenner, Louisiana, days before the game. The Jefferson Parish coroner's office said Manzano died from positional asphyxiation, with Xanax and alcohol found in his system.

Prosecutors said Manzano was among the victims of a years-long operation in which Colbert, her accomplice Rickey White, and a co-defendant who testified against them, Christian Anderson, targeted unsuspecting tourists in the French Quarter. The group allegedly lured victims with the promise of sex before drugging and robbing them. Prosecutors said the criminal enterprise dated back to 2012.

To enhance Colbert's 10-year negligent homicide sentence, prosecutors cited six prior felony cases, including 2024 convictions in New Orleans for computer fraud and illegal money transfers that resulted in a 25-year habitual offender sentence. Her criminal record also includes convictions for fraud, stolen property, burglary, theft, battery and witness intimidation dating from 2013 to 2019.

Fingerprint analysis by the Jefferson Parish sheriff's office confirmed Colbert's identity in all six cases. "We believe that sufficient evidence has been presented" to show Colbert was the person convicted in the previous cases, assistant district attorney Jenny Voss told the judge.

Colbert's life sentence will be served consecutively to her 50-year sentence for racketeering and a 25-year sentence for unrelated crimes in New Orleans, according to the Jefferson Parish district attorney's office.

Analysis

Why This Matters

The case highlights the dangers journalists face covering major events and the vulnerability of tourists in cities like New Orleans.
The resentencing demonstrates how habitual offender laws can dramatically increase prison terms for repeat offenders.
The outcome sends a message about accountability for crimes targeting visitors at high-profile events.

Background

Danette Colbert was part of a criminal group that operated in New Orleans' French Quarter for years, targeting tourists by luring them with promises of sex before drugging and robbing them. The operation came to light after Adan Manzano, a Telemundo Kansas City reporter, was found dead in his hotel room while covering the Super Bowl in February. His death from positional asphyxiation, with drugs in his system, led to charges against Colbert and her accomplices. Louisiana's habitual offender law allows for enhanced sentencing when a defendant has multiple prior felony convictions.

Key Perspectives

Prosecutors (Jefferson Parish District Attorney's Office): They argued that Colbert's long criminal history justified a life sentence. They presented fingerprint evidence linking her to six prior felony cases, meeting the threshold for habitual offender enhancement. Assistant District Attorney Jenny Voss told the court sufficient evidence had been presented. Judge Nancy Miller: She found Colbert to be at least a fourth felony offender and imposed the enhanced sentence, running consecutively to other sentences Colbert is already serving. Critics/Skeptics: While the source does not include defense arguments or external criticism, some may question whether the habitual offender law disproportionately affects certain defendants. The case also raises concerns about tourist safety and policing in the French Quarter.

What to Watch

Possible appeals by Colbert's legal team challenging the habitual offender enhancement.
The status of co-defendants Rickey White and Christian Anderson, including any plea deals or trials.
Broader discussions in Louisiana about habitual offender sentencing and tourist safety measures ahead of future major events.

Sources

Woman resentenced to life in prison for death of Kansas City reporter — World news | The Guardian