A repeat offender who killed two women with illegal cosmetic procedures was finally convicted of murder, exposing California’s failure to protect victims from unlicensed predators exploiting vulnerable communities.
Story Highlights
- Libby Adame convicted of second-degree murder for actress Cindyana Santangelo’s death from illegal silicone injections
- Adame previously served time for involuntary manslaughter in 2019 death but continued illegal procedures
- Victim was recognizable actress from “ER” and “Married…With Children” who sought affordable cosmetic enhancement
- Case highlights regulatory failures allowing repeat offenders to target vulnerable women in underground market
Justice Finally Served for Repeat Killer
Libby Adame, infamously known as the “butt lady,” was convicted of second-degree murder in October 2025 for the death of actress Cindyana Santangelo. The 59-year-old victim died from a fatal embolism after receiving illegal silicone injections from Adame in March 2024. This conviction represents a significant escalation from Adame’s previous involuntary manslaughter conviction, demonstrating prosecutors’ determination to hold repeat offenders accountable for their deadly practices.
Pattern of Deadly Negligence Exposed
Adame’s criminal history reveals a disturbing pattern of exploiting vulnerable women seeking affordable cosmetic procedures. She and her daughter Alicia Galaz were previously convicted of involuntary manslaughter for the 2019 death of Karissa Rajpaul following a similar illegal procedure. Despite being legally barred from performing such procedures in California and serving prison time, Adame continued operating her underground business, targeting women who couldn’t afford legitimate medical procedures.
The illegal operations were conducted in private homes, completely outside regulated medical environments. Adame marketed these dangerous procedures to women seeking body enhancements at significantly lower costs than licensed medical facilities. This predatory business model specifically targeted communities where women felt pressured to seek affordable alternatives to expensive cosmetic surgeries, creating a deadly pipeline of vulnerable victims.
Regulatory Failures Enable Repeat Offenses
Adame’s ability to continue her illegal practice after a prior conviction exposes serious gaps in California’s regulatory enforcement. Despite her 2019 conviction and legal prohibition from performing cosmetic procedures, she was released early due to time served and quickly resumed her dangerous activities. This case demonstrates how inadequate monitoring of convicted offenders allows predators to continue exploiting vulnerable populations, undermining public safety and the rule of law.
Hollywood Victim Highlights Broader Tragedy
Cindyana Santangelo’s status as a recognizable actress with credits in “ER,” “Married…With Children,” and iconic music videos brought national attention to this underground industry’s dangers. Her death represents countless other victims who suffer in silence from botched procedures performed by unlicensed practitioners. Santangelo’s husband expressed relief at the murder conviction, stating his wife “received the justice she deserved,” while Adame’s attorney announced plans to appeal, claiming she wasn’t present during the fatal procedure.
Adame faces 15 years to life in prison when sentenced on November 5, 2025. This case underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement against unlicensed medical practitioners and better protection for vulnerable communities targeted by predatory operators who prioritize profit over human life.
Sources:
Southern California woman convicted of second degree murder for deadly buttocks injection
Verdict reached deadly butt lift trial
Butt lady convicted in murder of actress Cindyana Santangelo
