KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) – Loved ones of Adan Manzano, the KC area sports reporter who died covering the Super Bowl, are glad to hear updates on his case.
Manzano, 27, was found dead in his hotel room on Feb. 5. His credit card and phone were missing. The next day, Danette Colbert was charged in connection as she was found using his card.
Colbert has an alleged history of drugging men and stealing their money.
On Tuesday, investigators revealed new details into the case, upgrading Colbert’s charges to second-degree murder.
They also introduced a man named Rickey White, who investigators called an “accomplice” – but won’t go further than that right now.
They said Manzano was found in his hotel room face down on his pillow. High amounts of alcohol and Xanax were found in his system which they traced back to Colbert.
KCTV5 spoke with Alejandra Vargas, Manzano’s good friend after finding out about his death. She said she’s glad the case is moving forward in the justice system.
“I’m just happy that things are going how they’re supposed to be,” Vargas said.
Vargas said the past month has been difficult saying there’s not a day that goes by that she doesn’t think about Manzano.
“I feel empty,” she added. “I’m still in shock; I don’t have that friend to talk to.”
As new details emerge it’s hard for her to wrap her head around that fateful night. She wonders about what happened that night.
“It’s really odd, it’s putting a puzzle together,” Vargas said. “Only Adan knows what happened that night. “Hopefully they resolve the case entirely and it’s going to be in Adan’s favor.”
While investigators work to uncover more details, Vargas said she finds peace in believing Manzano is in a better place.
“That gives me some relief that he’s resting and everything is coming together,” Vargas said.
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