LOS ANGELES – A California woman has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison after a silicone butt injection procedure ended in tragedy. Libby Adame, 55, was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of actress Cindyana Santangelo, who passed away at the age of 59 following the unauthorized treatment.
Adame was sentenced by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Sam Ohta on November 5, in a case that drew attention to the dangers of unregulated cosmetic procedures. Santangelo, a resident of Malibu, died in March after receiving silicone injections from Adame, raising serious concerns about the risks associated with such practices, which are often done outside of licensed medical settings.
The jury deliberated for just over a day before reaching their verdict on October 9. During the trial, prosecutors argued that the silicone oil injected by Adame led to a fatal embolism, while the defense contended that Adame only provided a consultation and did not perform the procedure. Messages exchanged between the two women were presented as evidence supporting the prosecution’s claim that Adame was indeed responsible for the injection.
In addition to her murder conviction, Adame was also found guilty of practicing medicine without a license. This is not her first encounter with the law; she previously faced charges related to a similar incident. In 2024, she was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for a botched silicone injection that resulted in the death of 26-year-old Karissa Rajpaul in 2019. Adame received a three-year state prison sentence in that case but was released after serving her time.
Officials have long warned about the health risks associated with silicone injections, particularly for body contouring purposes. The FDA has issued statements highlighting the potential for serious injuries and disfigurement from unregulated products marketed as cosmetic fillers. The agency has encouraged consumers to be cautious about such procedures, especially when performed by individuals without medical credentials.
This tragic case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can arise from seeking cosmetic enhancement through unlicensed practitioners. As the popularity of cosmetic procedures grows, so does the importance of regulatory oversight to protect the health and safety of consumers.