Kenner, Louisiana — A second suspect has now been charged with second-degree murder in the death of Adan Manzano, a Kansas City Telemundo sports reporter who was found dead in a hotel room on February 5 while covering the Super Bowl. Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Rickey White, 34, who was already in custody at the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center at the time of the new charge.
White was previously facing charges for robbery and several counts of fraud. Police Chief Keith Conley has indicated that White is believed to be an accomplice of Danette Colbert, 48, who was arrested on March 18 and charged with second-degree murder following Manzano’s death.
This latest development comes nearly seven weeks after Colbert was charged. She faces additional allegations related to fraud and theft, including accusations that she misused Manzano’s credit card. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Colbert leaving Manzano’s hotel alone approximately an hour after he was last seen alive.
According to the coroner’s report, Manzano died from the combined effects of Xanax and alcohol. This revelation has led to investigations into the circumstances surrounding his death. At a press conference shortly after, Conley noted that Colbert has been linked to previous incidents where she allegedly drugged and robbed men across various locations in the U.S.
Law enforcement officials described Colbert as a “career criminal” known to target victims in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Rumors continue to circulate about her and White’s established patterns of luring individuals under false pretenses.
Investigators discovered that the pair had reportedly schemed through text messages over the years to execute drug and robbery plans in several jurisdictions. Sources have indicated that other potential victims are being identified as part of this multi-jurisdictional investigation.
Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams has been vocal about the broader implications of this case. He remarked that the alleged crimes reflect a disturbing trend, noting, “This was not random. There’s a certain pattern with having drinks or food and then suggesting to the person they’ll assist them back to their room.”
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are actively collaborating with legal experts to facilitate progress and explore all avenues to bring justice for Manzano. The complexities of this case underscore a troubling pattern that law enforcement is committed to addressing.