Bourbon Street Hustler Convicted of Negligent Homicide
Denette Colbert, a Louisiana woman dubbed the “Bourbon Street Hustler,” was convicted of negligent homicide in the 2025 death of Telemundo reporter Adam Manzano, who was covering the Super Bowl. The jury also found her accomplice, Rickey White, guilty of racketeering, but only Colbert received a ho…
By Felo News Desk · Published
Denette Colbert, 49, was found guilty of negligent homicide in the death of Adam Manzano, a 27‑year‑old Telemundo reporter who was in Louisiana to cover the Super Bowl. The verdict came after a jury in Jefferson Parish deliberated for just over five hours and also convicted Colbert’s accomplice, 35‑year‑old Rickey White, of racketeering. The case, which has drawn national attention, exposes a long‑running criminal operation that targeted tourists and locals in the French Quarter.
Who Are the Key Players?
- Denette Colbert – A 49‑year‑old woman who operated under the nickname “Bourbon Street Hustler.” She was the primary defendant in the homicide case.
- Rickey White – 35‑year‑old accomplice, known as “King Rickey,” who served as Colbert’s security detail and helped orchestrate the scheme.
- Adam Manzano – 27‑year‑old Telemundo reporter from Kansas City who died in a Comfort Suites hotel in Kenner, a suburb of New Orleans.
- Christian Anderson – 35‑year‑old associate who testified against Colbert and White in exchange for reduced charges.
What Happened in Kenner?
On February 5, 2025, Manzano checked into a Comfort Suites hotel in Kenner. Video footage captured Colbert and Manzano entering the hotel at about 5:00 a.m. Over the next few hours, the footage shows Colbert leaving the room, returning, and leaving again, while Manzano never emerged. He was found later that night lying face down on a pillow, unable to breathe after ingesting alcohol and Xanax. His phone and credit card were missing from the room, and the card was later used for fraudulent charges in stores around New Orleans.
Colbert was the last person seen leaving Manzano’s room before his body was discovered. The investigation revealed that she and White had been running a scheme for years, luring victims in the French Quarter with promises of sex, drugging them, and stealing their credit cards and phones. The operation earned them the nickname “Bourbon Street Hustler” among locals.
Legal Proceedings and Verdicts
The Jefferson Parish district attorney’s office charged Colbert with negligent homicide and racketeering. White faced a racketeering charge alone. Both defendants were found guilty of manslaughter, but the jury convicted only Colbert of negligent homicide. The jury’s decision was reached after a deliberation of just over five hours.
Assistant District Attorney Brendan Bowen delivered a closing argument that emphasized the impact of Manzano’s death on his family, urging the jury to hold the defendants accountable. He said, “What you can do is make his death mean something. Let Adan Manzano be the last victim that Rickey White and Danette Colbert ever get to target.”
White’s conviction on racketeering carries a potential sentence of up to 50 years in Louisiana, while Colbert’s negligent homicide conviction could result in up to 40 years. Both are scheduled for sentencing in late September.
Aftermath and Appeals
Colbert’s attorney, Stavros Panagoulopoulos, expressed disappointment over the racketeering conviction but viewed the homicide verdict as a “small legal victory.” He announced plans to appeal the conviction. Meanwhile, Christian Anderson, who testified against the pair, received a six‑year prison sentence for simple robbery and access device fraud.
The case has sparked discussions about the safety of journalists traveling to cover major events and the need for increased security measures in tourist hotspots. It also highlights the broader issue of organized crime operations exploiting vulnerable individuals in high‑traffic areas.
As the sentencing date approaches, the community remains on edge, hoping that the legal system will deliver justice for Manzano’s family and deter similar criminal enterprises in the future.
Key facts
- Denette Colbert convicted of negligent homicide; Rickey White convicted of racketeering
- The pair ran a long‑running scheme targeting tourists in New Orleans’ French Quarter
- Adam Manzano died after ingesting alcohol and Xanax; his phone and card were stolen
- Colbert’s attorney plans to appeal the conviction; sentencing scheduled for September
- The case raises concerns about journalist safety and organized crime in tourist hotspots
Why it matters
The case highlights how organized crime can exploit high‑traffic tourist areas, raising concerns for journalists and visitors alike. It also demonstrates the legal system’s willingness to hold individuals accountable for negligent actions that result in death.
Frequently asked questions
What is the potential sentence for negligent homicide in Louisiana?
Up to 40 years in prison.
What charges did Rickey White face?
Racketeering, which can carry up to 50 years.
Will there be a separate trial for the racketeering charge?
No, the charges were tried together, and both defendants were convicted on separate counts.
Sources
- [1] nypost.com — originally reported as “‘Bourbon Street Hustler’ found guilty of negligent homicide in Super Bowl reporter’s death”
