Kenner, Louisiana — A second suspect is facing charges in connection with the death of Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old sports reporter for Kansas City Telemundo. Manzano was found deceased in a hotel room on February 5 while covering the Super Bowl. Authorities announced on May 5 that they have charged Rickey White, 34, with second-degree murder following a detailed investigation.
Rickey White, who was already incarcerated at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center, is suspected of involvement in the circumstances surrounding Manzano’s death. White had been previously arrested for robbery and fraud. The Kenner Police Chief, Keith Conley, indicated that White worked alongside Danette Colbert, 48, who was charged with second-degree murder in late March.
Colbert faced earlier accusations of fraud and theft after allegedly using Manzano’s credit card. Surveillance footage reportedly shows her leaving the hotel room shortly after arriving with him. The coroner’s report revealed that Manzano’s death was caused by the toxic combination of Xanax and alcohol.
In the lead-up to these charges, investigators revealed that Colbert had a history of drugging and stealing from victims across different states. Law enforcement officials described her as a “career criminal” who targeted individuals in the bustling French Quarter of New Orleans.
New information surfaces every week regarding the case, shedding light on the activities of Colbert and White. Reports indicated that the duo may have used text messages to orchestrate a years-long scheme aimed at drugging and robbing their victims. Both suspects are believed to have operated across multiple jurisdictions, raising concerns about a wider crime spree.
“This is a national, multi-jurisdictional crime issue,” stated Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams. He added that the unique patterns of these crimes make it evident that they were not random incidents but part of a coordinated effort that targeted individuals during social outings.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are collaborating with the attorney general’s office to address the complexities of the case. As the details emerge, both the legal repercussions for the suspects and the impact on the community are becoming increasingly significant.