Additional Coverage:
Third Arrest Made in Death of Telemundo Reporter Adan Manzano
Kenner, LA – A third suspect has been arrested in connection with the death of Telemundo Kansas City reporter Adan Manzano, shedding further light on what authorities believe was a calculated plot to drug and rob unsuspecting individuals.
Christian Anderson, 33, was taken into custody by Kenner police, accused of renting the vehicle used by Danette Colbert, one of two suspects previously charged with second-degree murder in Manzano’s death. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill has labeled Colbert a “serial fraudster.”
Police allege that Anderson provided logistical support and communicated extensively with Colbert following the discovery of Manzano’s body in a Kenner hotel room on February 5th. He is also accused of attempting to profit from Manzano’s stolen belongings.
Investigators cite text messages and digital communications as evidence of Anderson’s “active role” in a scheme to target, drug, and rob victims of their personal property, including phones and access to financial accounts. Anderson faces a range of charges including simple robbery, purse snatching, access device fraud, illegal transmission of money, bank fraud, and computer fraud.
It is currently unknown whether he has legal representation.
Manzano, 27, was in New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl. Authorities believe a combination of alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax) and alcohol contributed to his death.
Manzano did not have a prescription for alprazolam, and how he ingested the drug remains unclear. Colbert was allegedly the last person seen with Manzano before his death.
A device believed to be Manzano’s cell phone was later discovered at Colbert’s residence, and his credit card was allegedly used by Colbert at a local store.
Rickey White, 34, the second suspect in the case, was arrested in Florida in March on fraud and theft charges and subsequently extradited to Louisiana, where he was also charged with second-degree murder. White’s attorney has denied the charges against him. While Colbert’s lawyers haven’t commented on the current case, they have previously argued in court against her being judged based on past offenses.
Colbert’s criminal history includes several similar fraud cases, some involving allegations of drugging. In one instance, a victim accused Colbert of drugging him, leaving him for dead, and stealing tens of thousands of dollars.
Though convicted of computer fraud and other charges in October, Colbert initially received a five-year probation sentence. Following media reports and intervention by the Louisiana Attorney General’s office, the judge reconsidered the sentence, designating Colbert a “habitual offender” and imposing a 25-year prison term.
The victim in that case expressed relief at the revised sentence, hoping it would bring some peace to other victims and restore faith in the justice system. Colbert’s lawyer has not yet responded to requests for comment.