Second person charged with murder in KC sports reporter Adan Manzano's death
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A man who was originally arrested for fraud and burglary has now been charged with murder in connection with the death of Adan Manzano – a Kansas City sports reporter who was found dead in his hotel room while covering Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
According to the Kenner, Louisiana, Police Department, Rickey White has been charged with second-degree murder. The charge comes nearly two months after officers arrested White at a hotel in Hollywood, Florida.
White was originally charged with simple robbery, access device fraud, illegal transmission of monetary funds, bank fraud and computer fraud.
However, he is now the second person to be charged with the murder of Manzano. The first person to be charged with his murder was Danette Colbert – the woman who investigators say drugged Manzano, which ultimately led to his death.
She was also initially arrested on lesser charges, including property crimes and theft, but has since been charged with second-degree murder.
What we know about Manzano's death
Following the announcement of Manzano's death, police released surveillance footage showing Manzano entering his hotel with Colbert. Shortly after, the same video showed Colbert leaving his room alone.
Investigators have continued to dive into Colbert's criminal history, claiming she had previously been arrested for similar crimes that involved allegations of drugging men, stealing money and fraudulently using their credit and debit cards.
Manzano's preliminary toxicology exam indicated that he may have died from complications related to a toxic combination of alcohol and benzodiazepine or alprazolam, also known as Xanax, which resulted in asphyxiation.
According to detectives, the "rising star" reporter's medical records did not indicate that he was prescribed Xanax or other depressants. But when officers searched Colbert's home, the same drug was reportedly found inside.
Despite investigators claiming the toxic combination was Manzano's potential cause of death, the coroner's office said his death is currently classified as "undetermined."
Colbert and White are being held in the Jefferson Parish County Jail.
The investigation into Manzano's death is ongoing.
Stay with FOX4 News for the latest updates and information.
Previous coverage
- Kansas City sports reporter dies while in New Orleans for Super Bowl LIX
- Louisiana woman arrested following Kansas City reporter’s death in New Orleans
- New details show Xanax found in Kansas City sports reporter’s autopsy
- Super Bowl sports reporter found dead in hotel had sedative in his system: authorities
- Woman charged with murder, man arrested in connection to KC sports reporter death
- KC Current honors sports reporter who died while covering Super Bowl LIX