A woman from Riverside County has been convicted of second-degree murder for injecting silicone oil into another woman’s buttocks. Libby Adame, 55, was found guilty in Los Angeles in connection with the death of 59-year-old Cindyana Santangelo, who passed away due to an embolism linked to the silicone injection on March 24.
Adame now faces 15 years to life in prison, with sentencing scheduled for November 5.
This isn’t Adame’s first encounter with the law. In 2024, she and her daughter were convicted of involuntary manslaughter related to the death of 26-year-old Karissa Rajpaul, who died after receiving similar injections at Adame’s home. Adame also had prior convictions for practicing medicine without a license.
At her recent trial, prosecutors highlighted a previous warning from a judge that Adame could face murder charges if any further incidents occurred. They argued that she knowingly put her clients at risk, as her actions led to Santangelo’s death.
The defense argued that Adame didn’t perform the injections on Santangelo and suggested that someone else may have been responsible for the procedure. They noted that Santangelo had bandages on her body prior to Adame’s arrival, hinting that the injection could have occurred earlier.
Diana Tisné, a health safety expert, pointed out the risks of unregulated cosmetic procedures. “Many individuals seek quick fixes, but they often overlook the potential consequences,” she stated. According to a recent survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, nearly 1 in 5 people reported seeking non-medical alternatives for cosmetic procedures, highlighting the growing trend in the pursuit of beauty.
Adame, who has been referred to as “the butt lady” or “La Tia,” claimed during her defense that she was simply consulting for licensed professionals in Tijuana, Mexico. Despite her lengthy history of performing these procedures, she maintained that she did not administer the fatal injection.
As social media buzzes with reactions to this case, many users expressed outrage, demanding accountability for those performing unlicensed procedures. Others share stories of their own experiences with beauty enhancements, underscoring the desperate desire for body alterations that can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes.
Ultimately, this case shines a light on the dangers that can come with seeking beauty outside of legal and medical boundaries. With the increasing popularity of cosmetic procedures, awareness of the risks is more important than ever.
For a deeper understanding of the implications of unlicensed medical activities, you can refer to resources provided by the American Medical Association.