Second person charged in death of Super Bowl LIX reporter Adan Manzano

A second person has been charged in the death of Adan Manzano, a Kansas City Telemundo reporter who died while covering Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans. According to the Associated Press, 34-year-old Rickey White has been charged with second-degree murder.

White was arrested in Florida in March on robbery and fraud charges related to Manzano’s death before being extradited to Louisiana. On March 18, Louisiana authorities announced that White was linked to Danette Colbert, the first suspect charged in the case.

Kevin Boshea, White’s attorney, said he hadn’t been informed of the murder charge before the Associated Press called him on Monday. “I don’t think he’s guilty of the other crimes,” Boshea said, “so how can he be guilty of murder?”

Adan Manzano was found dead in his hotel room on Feb. 5 in Kenner, a suburb of New Orleans. A woman was seen on a security video leaving Manzano’s room and was later charged with second-degree murder and stealing his credit cards and cell phone.

Family and friends show pay tribute to Adan Manzano

Police said security video from Manzano’s hotel showed him and Colbert entering his room together on the day of his death. The video also shows Colbert leaving without him about an hour later. Jefferson Parish Coroner Gerry Cvitanovich told reporters in March that an autopsy found Manzano died while lying facedown on a pillow and unable to breathe after ingesting alcohol and Xanax.

A funeral was held for Manzano on February 20. After the service, the family said, “We want to express our gratitude for all the support, respect, and privacy shown during this difficult time for our family. Likewise, we appreciate all the messages of love, all the prayers, and all contributions directed towards the Manzano Aguilar family. We hope that you cherish the good moments you shared with Adan and always keep him in your hearts.”

“We will deeply miss Adan and his passion for sports, and the contributions he made to the local community,” said Steve Downing, KGKC Telemundo Kansas City General Manager at the time of Manzano’s death. “Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”