Second suspect charged with murder in death of Super Bowl reporter Adan Manzano

Louisiana authorities have charged a second suspect with murder in the case of a television reporter who was found dead while covering the Super Bowl in New Orleans. Adan Manzano, a 27-year-old reporter and anchor for Telemundo from Kansas City, Missouri, was discovered deceased in his hotel room in Kenner, a New Orleans suburb, on February 5. The initial suspect, a woman seen on security footage leaving Manzano’s room, was charged with second-degree murder, as well as theft of his credit cards and cellphone.

Kenner police revealed on Monday that a second suspect, 34-year-old Rickey White, has also been charged with second-degree murder in connection with the case. White was apprehended in Florida in March on robbery and fraud charges associated with Manzano’s death and was subsequently extradited to Louisiana.

White was detained by U.S. Marshals in Hollywood, Florida, and is currently awaiting extradition in Broward County. The murder charge against White emerged from ongoing investigative efforts, according to Kenner police, although specifics were not provided. Police Chief Keith Conley disclosed that White had ties to the first suspect, Danette Colbert, suggesting they were working together.

White’s attorney, Kevin Boshea, was caught off guard by the murder charge and maintained White’s innocence, especially in light of the lack of evidence linking him to the crime scene in New Orleans. Colbert’s attorney also contested the accusations against her, regarding them as mere speculation.

Under Louisiana law, second-degree murder charges can be brought forth for various offenses resulting in someone’s death, such as drug distribution or robbery. An autopsy revealed that Manzano’s cause of death was asphyxiation due to a mix of alcohol and Xanax, with no prescriptions found in his medical records. Security footage showed Colbert and Manzano entering his room together on the day of his death, with Colbert leaving alone later on. Additionally, purchases made with Manzano’s credit card were traced back to Colbert.