A California woman now faces a lengthy prison sentence after a dangerous, unauthorized procedure led to the tragic death of an actress. Libby Adame, 55, was sentenced to 15 years to life for the death of Cindyana Santangelo, a performer with credits in popular television shows.
Santangelo, 59, known for appearances in series like CSI: Miami, ER, and Married with Children, received a silicone injection at her Malibu home. The procedure quickly turned fatal when silicone entered her bloodstream, ultimately blocking oxygen flow to her lungs.
The courtroom heard harrowing details of Santangelo’s final moments. Judge Sam Ohta explained how the injected silicone migrated, creating a deadly embolism that suffocated the actress, despite Adame being present as Santangelo struggled to breathe.
Jurors deliberated for over a day before reaching a guilty verdict on charges of second-degree murder and practicing medicine without a license. The judge denied a request for a new trial, and Adame was immediately remanded to custody without bail.
Adame’s defense attempted to argue she only provided a consultation, but prosecutors presented compelling evidence in the form of messages exchanged between the two women, clearly indicating Adame performed the injection. This wasn’t an isolated incident for Adame.
Just last year, Adame and her daughter were convicted of involuntary manslaughter in connection with the 2019 death of 26-year-old Karissa Rajpaul, who also died from a silicone embolism following an illegal butt injection. Adame previously received a three-year sentence in that case, but was released after serving her time.
The dangers of these procedures are stark and well-documented. Silicone injections for cosmetic body enhancement are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and carry significant risks.
Health officials have repeatedly warned of the potential for severe, permanent injuries, including pain, scarring, tissue death, and disfigurement. The migration of silicone can lead to life-threatening complications like embolisms, strokes, infections, and ultimately, death.
This case serves as a chilling reminder of the extreme risks associated with seeking unregulated cosmetic procedures. The pursuit of aesthetic ideals should never come at the cost of one’s life, and underscores the critical importance of qualified medical professionals and FDA-approved treatments.
The tragedy highlights a dangerous underground market where unqualified individuals offer potentially lethal procedures, preying on vulnerabilities and disregarding basic medical safety standards.
