
A man who was drugged and robbed of over $134,000 by a woman linked to the tragic death of a television sports journalist after the Super Bowl in New Orleans has expressed his desire for the perpetrator to serve time in prison. He stated that he wants “to see her go to jail for as long as she can,” especially after her sentencing, which resulted in probation for his case.
David Butler, 52, has attempted to alert both the public and the courtroom that Danette Colbert poses a significant risk, warning that she could “end up killing someone” if not held accountable.
With investigations underway to determine if Colbert drugged reporter Adan Manzano fatally before he was found dead and robbed at his hotel near New Orleans, Butler reflects on his unsuccessful efforts to raise awareness about her dangerous behavior.
“I believe she’s extremely dangerous,” Butler remarked in a recent interview. “If she is responsible for Manzano’s death, I want to see her imprisoned for life.” However, he noted that she could still face imprisonment due to violations of her probation.
Butler’s account of his harrowing experience with Colbert took place during a night out on Bourbon Street in New Orleans in the fall of 2021, just days after Manzano’s passing.
Surveillance footage released by authorities captured Manzano and Colbert together on Bourbon Street, ultimately leading to his hotel room near the airport in Kenner, Louisiana, in the early hours of February 5. Colbert was later seen leaving the hotel by herself. Manzano was discovered unresponsive by hotel staff after missing a crucial meeting related to his work with Telemundo Kansas City, which was set to report on the Super Bowl matchup between the Chiefs and the Eagles at Caesars Superdome on February 9.
Colbert, 48, was subsequently arrested on charges of stealing Manzano’s credit card and cellphone. Investigators speculated that she may have drugged him based on previous reports linking her to similar incidents in Las Vegas, although toxicology results from Manzano’s autopsy were still awaited as of Friday.
These results could result in direct charges against Colbert in connection with Manzano’s death. Meanwhile, extensive media coverage of the case prompted Butler to speak out about his own ordeal with Colbert.
Butler had been in New Orleans for property renovations and decided to visit Bourbon Street on the evening of November 5, 2021. He recounted how Colbert and another woman joined him in a bar, where he suddenly began to feel lightheaded. Recognizing that something was wrong, he chose to leave.
As he entered a taxi, Colbert offered to ensure he got home safely and accompanied him to his renovation site. Butler’s last memory of that night was stepping into his house. He later woke to discover that his gold ring, watch, cellphone, and wallet were missing.
In addition, he reported that over $80,000 in cryptocurrency he had earmarked for his retirement was also gone, with his credit card being used for unauthorized purchases totaling thousands of dollars.
Focused on uncovering the identity of his thief, Butler did not seek medical attention to assess what might have been slipped into his drink.
Authorities eventually linked Colbert to the theft by tracing the name associated with Butler’s digital cloud account, which was registered as “QueenTX100.” She faced various charges, including theft and fraud, and a public announcement about the case was issued.
Butler shared this information on social media, expressing his concern that “she is going to end up killing someone.”
Colbert was later convicted at trial, and Butler hoped for a severe sentence. He submitted a victim impact statement to the court, detailing how her actions had “devastated [his] life.” Additionally, in early 2022, she faced accusations of stealing $100,000 worth of cash, jewelry, and casino chips from another man’s Las Vegas hotel room after allegedly drugging him.
While out on bond related to that case, she was also accused of drugging another individual and stealing high-value items. Ultimately, however, prosecutors in Las Vegas dismissed those two cases, as indicated by court documents. A third case in 2022 involving reckless driving also remains unresolved.
Unfortunately for Butler, Colbert received only a five-year probation sentence, along with an order to pay $50,000 in restitution—a monthly payment of $834 over the duration of her probation.
According to Butler, Colbert has yet to make any restitution payments. He submitted a letter to the court questioning why someone with such a dangerous history was granted yet another chance, stating, “If someone dies due to her actions in the future, their blood will be on the hands of those who allowed her to escape accountability today.”
Just over two months later, Manzano—a widowed father of a young toddler—was found dead, and Colbert was arrested once more. Beyond her numerous legal troubles, prosecutors in Butler’s case have filed a motion to revoke her probation, seeking to impose a prison sentence.
Butler expressed hope that his case and Colbert’s would ignite meaningful conversations about the need for tougher penalties for individuals with dangerous histories.
“I was afraid she would strike again and again,” Butler stated. “I hope to see some reform.”
