Bourbon Street Hustler Convicted in Super Bowl Reporter's Death

A Louisiana jury convicted Denette Colbert, 49, known as the "Bourbon Street Hustler," of negligent homicide and racketeering in the death of Telemundo reporter Adam Manzano, 27, who was in New Orleans to cover the Super Bowl.

Colbert's accomplice, Rickey White, 35, was also found guilty of racketeering by the Jefferson Parish jury. Jurors deliberated for just over five hours before reaching their verdict. Negligent homicide carries a sentence of up to 40 years, while racketeering can result in a 50-year sentence in Louisiana.

Manzano was found dead on February 5, 2025, in his hotel room. The cause of death was determined to be asphyxia due to alcohol and Xanax intoxication. He died just one year after his wife was killed in a car accident, leaving behind their young daughter.

Surveillance footage showed Colbert entering Manzano's hotel room at a Kenner, Louisiana, Comfort Suites around 5 a.m. on the morning of his death. She was seen leaving the room multiple times before Manzano was discovered deceased that night. His phone and credit card were missing from the room and subsequently used for fraudulent charges.

Colbert was arrested the following day. Investigators found Manzano's credit card and phone, along with narcotics and a stolen firearm, at her residence. Prosecutors stated that Colbert and White had been engaged in a criminal enterprise for years, luring victims with sex in the French Quarter, drugging them, and stealing their belongings.

White, referred to as "King Ricky," reportedly acted as Colbert's pimp, providing security and identifying potential victims. Christian Anderson, who assisted Colbert and White, testified against them in exchange for reduced charges. He pleaded guilty to simple robbery and access device fraud and received a six-year prison sentence.

Colbert's attorney expressed disappointment with the racketeering conviction but viewed the negligent homicide verdict as a partial legal success. He indicated plans to appeal the conviction. Colbert and White are scheduled for sentencing in late September.