Introduction to the Case
Louisiana authorities on Monday charged a second suspect with murder in the death of a television reporter who had traveled to New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl.
Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old reporter and anchor for Telemundo based in Kansas City, Missouri, was found dead Feb. 5 in his hotel room in the New Orleans suburb of Kenner. A woman seen on security video leaving Manzano’s room was later charged with second-degree murder and with stealing his credit cards and cellphone.
Charges Against the Second Suspect
Kenner police announced Monday that an accomplice, 34-year-old Rickey White, has also been charged with second-degree murder. White was arrested in Florida in March on robbery and fraud charges related to Manzano’s death, then extradited to Louisiana.
Kenner police said in a news release that the murder charge against White resulted from “continued investigative efforts,” but officials gave no further details.
Investigation Details
Kenner Police Chief Keith Conley said at a news conference March 18 that investigators had linked White to Danette Colbert, the first suspect charged in the case, based on “correspondence and information where they were going back and forth. So we think they were working hand-in-hand in concert with each other.”
An attorney for White, Kevin Boshea, said he hadn’t been informed of the murder charge before an Associated Press reporter called him Monday.
“I don’t think he’s guilty of the other crimes,” Boshea said, “so how can he be guilty of murder?”
Legal Aspects of the Case
Boshea said he pressed police during a preliminary hearing on the robbery and fraud charges last month to show evidence that White was in the New Orleans area when Manzano died, but they presented none.
An attorney for Colbert had said that police were making “assumptions and guesses” to link her to Manzano’s death.
Under Louisiana law, a defendant can be charged with second-degree murder for distributing drugs that cause a death or for committing certain crimes, including robbery, that result in someone dying.
Cause of Death and Evidence
An autopsy found Manzano died lying facedown on a pillow and unable to breathe after ingesting a combination of alcohol and the depressant Xanax, Jefferson Parish Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich told reporters in March.
Police said security video from Manzano’s hotel showed him and Colbert entering his room together the day of his death. Footage showed Colbert leaving without him about an hour later. Authorities have said Colbert later used Manzano’s credit card to make a purchase at a New Orleans gas station and at several stores in the area.
Police have also said Manzano’s medical records showed no prescriptions for Xanax or other depressants, and that they recovered the drug from Colbert’s home.
Conclusion
The case of Adan Manzano’s death is a tragic reminder of the risks and uncertainties that can occur when individuals travel to new locations, especially for high-profile events like the Super Bowl. The charging of a second suspect, Rickey White, with second-degree murder highlights the complexities of the investigation and the legal proceedings that follow. As the case continues to unfold, it is essential to consider the evidence and the legal aspects of the charges to ensure a fair and just outcome.
FAQs
Q: Who was Adan Manzano?
A: Adan Manzano was a 27-year-old reporter and anchor for Telemundo based in Kansas City, Missouri.
Q: What were the charges against the first suspect, Danette Colbert?
A: Colbert was charged with second-degree murder and with stealing Manzano’s credit cards and cellphone.
Q: What was the cause of Manzano’s death?
A: An autopsy found that Manzano died after ingesting a combination of alcohol and the depressant Xanax.
Q: What evidence linked Rickey White to the case?
A: Investigators linked White to Colbert based on correspondence and information showing they were in contact with each other.
Q: What are the next steps in the case?
A: The case will continue through the legal system, with both suspects facing charges related to Manzano’s death.
