California Woman Sentenced to 15 Years to Life for Illegal Silicone Injection That Killed Hollywood Actress
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — A Southern California woman has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the death of a Hollywood actress following an illegal silicone buttocks injection performed without medical certification.
According to KTLA 5 News, Libby Adame, 55, was convicted earlier this month in Riverside County of second-degree murder and practicing medicine without a license in connection to the March 2025 death of actress Cindyana Santangelo.
Botched Cosmetic Procedure Leads to Tragedy
Investigators said Adame administered the injection at Santangelo’s home in Malibu, posing as a qualified cosmetic specialist. Prosecutors revealed that the silicone she used was not medical-grade and caused a fatal embolism shortly after the procedure.
Adame reportedly charged clients hundreds to thousands of dollars for illegal cosmetic procedures marketed as “safe, affordable enhancements.” Detectives later discovered she had a history of performing unlicensed cosmetic surgeries across Southern California.
“She preyed on women’s insecurities, offering dangerous shortcuts in the name of beauty,” said Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin during sentencing. “This tragedy underscores the lethal risks of unlicensed medical work.”
Victim Remembered as a Rising Star
The victim, Cindyana Santangelo, was described by family and friends as a promising actress and model with a bright future. Her loved ones said she was pursuing a film project at the time of her death and had sought the cosmetic enhancement before an upcoming role.
Her family shared that Santangelo believed she was receiving a legitimate medical procedure performed by a licensed professional.
“Cindy trusted the wrong person,” a family spokesperson said. “She thought she was getting something minor done — instead, it cost her life.”
History of Unlicensed Procedures
Court documents revealed that Adame had been performing black-market cosmetic treatments for years, often advertising her services through word-of-mouth and social media. Investigators found she operated without any certification or professional training in cosmetic medicine.
Adame’s daughter was also allegedly involved in coordinating some of the illegal appointments, though prosecutors said her level of participation remains under review.
Sentencing and Ongoing Warnings
During sentencing, the court called Adame’s actions “reckless and deceptive,” emphasizing that her conduct showed “a total disregard for human life.”
Authorities have since urged the public to verify credentials and certifications before undergoing any form of cosmetic enhancement, warning that similar underground operations continue to pose serious public health risks.
The tragic case has reignited conversations across California about the dangers of unlicensed cosmetic procedures, often promoted on social media as inexpensive alternatives to legitimate medical services.
For more on this developing story, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
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