memorial-display-for-Adan-Manzano
Denny Medley-Imagn Images
Danette Colbert, the woman charged with the murder of Super Bowl reporter Adan Manzano, has received a lengthy prison sentence for a separate and unrelated crime. She was re-sentenced for previous unrelated conviction that was originally suspended.
On Thursday, the Office of the Louisiana Attorney General, Liz Murrill announced that Danette Colbert had been sentenced to 25 years in prison after being convicted of theft and fraud charges last year. She originally was given a 10-year prison sentence by an Orleans Parish judge, but it was suspended.
“After my office got involved, a serial fraudster connected to the death of a Kansas City reporter during Super Bowl weekend in New Orleans got 25 years for a previous conviction that was originally suspended,” Murrill’s office wrote on Facebook.
“This is a testament to the hard work and cooperation between my prosecutors in New Orleans and State Police’s Troop NOLA,” Attorney General Murrill said in a statement. “I’d like to thank my New Orleans Section Chief Daniel Smart for his hard work and dedication on this case. I’d also like to thank District Attorney Jason Williams for his cooperation in this cross jurisdictional matter.
“The evidence was overwhelming that this woman was a serial fraudster and took advantage of multiple tourists and innocent people over many years in the French Quarter. I wish we could have saved the life of Adam Manzano. His family and co-workers remain in my thoughts and prayers. I’m hopeful and confident justice will be served in Jefferson Parish as well, where Colbert is also facing charges of second-degree murder for Manzano’s death.”
After the death of Adan Manzano and subsequent arrest of Colbert, one of her past victims, David Butler, said, “Had the court acted decisively by incarcerating Ms. Colbert or enforcing stricter conditions for her release, it is possible Mr. Manzano would still be alive today.”
Prior to Manzano’s murder, Butler wrote a message to Orleans Criminal District Judge Nandi Campbell, which read, “The minimal fines and lack of meaningful incarceration for crimes that could have led to serious injury or loss of life are, quite frankly, an insult to public safety and the justice system. If someone dies due to her actions in the future, their blood will undeniably be on the hands of those who allowed her to escape real accountability today.”
Colbert and her alleged accomplice, Rickey White, each face charges of second-degree murder in the death of the 27-year-old Manzano. Colbert, 48, and White, 34, had originally been arrested on theft-related crimes associated with the case.