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The dark side of fame: Unraveling the tragedy of Danette Colbert’s victims
In a shocking turn of events, the case of Danette Colbert, dubbed the “Hustler of Bourbon Street,” has unveiled a disturbing narrative of deceit, manipulation, and tragedy.
Colbert, a 48-year-old woman from Slidell, Louisiana, has been arrested in connection with the death of Telemundo sports reporter Adan Manzano, raising questions about her past and the potential victims left in her wake.
The rise and fall of a career criminal
Colbert’s arrest on February 7 came after surveillance footage captured her leaving Manzano’s hotel room, only to later use his credit card at various locations around New Orleans. Initially charged with property crimes, her history reveals a more sinister pattern.
Reports indicate that she has previously drugged at least two men, stealing their credit cards and leaving them vulnerable. This pattern of predation raises alarm bells about the safety of individuals who may cross paths with her.
Voices of the victims
Jason Egle, a traveling nurse, recounted his harrowing experience with Colbert in October 2021. After a night out, he woke up in his parents’ home, disoriented and realizing his phone had been swapped. Colbert had posed as an Uber driver, a claim that Uber has no record of her fulfilling.
Another victim, Eric Maul, shared a similar story, stating that he filed a police report after losing thousands of dollars linked to his stolen phone. The lack of response from authorities left him feeling abandoned and unheard.
The chilling implications of negligence
As the investigation unfolds, the tragic death of John Jenkins, found unresponsive in a New Orleans hotel, has come under scrutiny. Although Colbert’s name was not initially connected to his death, police now suspect her involvement. This raises critical questions about the responsibility of the judicial system in preventing such tragedies. David Butler, another victim, expressed his frustration over Colbert’s lenient sentencing after being convicted of fraud and theft. He believes that had the court acted decisively, Manzano might still be alive today.
Manzano’s untimely death has left a profound impact on his colleagues and loved ones. Ely Martinez, the creative services director at Telemundo Kansas City, described the loss as akin to losing a little brother. Manzano’s dedication to being a good father was evident to those who knew him, and his absence is felt deeply within the community.
As the investigation continues and toxicology reports are awaited, the chilling reality of Colbert’s actions serves as a stark reminder of the dark side of fame and the potential dangers lurking in the shadows. The stories of her victims highlight the urgent need for awareness and action to protect individuals from predatory behavior.
