Dent Colbert, a 49-year-old woman, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the case of the death of Adan Manzano, a Telemundo reporter, in New Orleans. Manzano was found dead in his hotel room in the suburbs of New Orleans on February 5.
Case Details
Colbert was also convicted of conspiracy. Her 35-year-old accomplice, Ricky White, was convicted of the same charge. The charge of conspiracy in Louisiana can carry a sentence of up to 50 years in prison. The two ran a criminal enterprise for several years that lured victims with promises of sexual relations in the historic French Quarter and then drugged them to steal their bank cards and phones.
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Details of Manzano's Death
Colbert was the last person to leave Manzano's room. Autopsy results indicated that Manzano died from a combination of alcohol and the sedative Xanax while lying face down. Defense attorneys sought a conviction for Colbert and White for involuntary manslaughter, which could carry a sentence of up to 40 years. White was found not guilty of this charge.
Colbert's conviction for involuntary manslaughter could result in a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Jenny West, the prosecutor, stated that the jury carefully reviewed all the evidence and respects their decision.
Manzano's family was unable to attend the court proceedings. Colbert, who has a history of charges related to drugging men and theft, used Manzano's credit card at a gas station and other stores in New Orleans after his death.
Testimony from another accomplice of Colbert and White, 35-year-old Christian Anderson, was also presented in court. He testified to reduce his charges to simple theft and credit card fraud, admitted to two charges, and was sentenced to six years in prison.
Colbert and White are set to be tried in late September. Manzano's death occurred a year after the death of his wife in a car accident, and they left behind a young daughter.
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Source: independent.co.uk
