Full Breakdown
Libby Adame Sentenced for Second-Degree Murder in Fatal Silicone Injection Case
11/6/2025, 8:50:03 PM
Overview of the Case
Libby Adame, a 55-year-old woman from Riverside County, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the second-degree murder of actress Cindyana Santangelo, who died following unauthorized silicone butt injections administered by Adame. The sentencing occurred on November 5, 2025, after a jury found Adame guilty on October 9, 2025, of murder and practicing medicine without a license.
Details of the Incident
Cindyana Santangelo, 59, died on March 24, 2025, after receiving silicone injections at her Malibu home. During the procedure, Santangelo began experiencing severe medical distress, including difficulty breathing and bleeding from the injection sites. Her husband, Frank Santangelo, testified that he called 911 after witnessing his wife in distress. The cause of death was determined to be a silicone embolism, where injected silicone migrated into her bloodstream and lungs, obstructing oxygen flow.
Previous Convictions and Legal Context
Adame's conviction follows a prior case in which she was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter in 2024 for a similar incident involving 26-year-old Karissa Rajpaul, who died after receiving silicone injections in 2019. In that case, Adame was sentenced to four years and four months but was released for time served. Prosecutors argued that Adame was aware of the risks associated with silicone injections, having been warned by a judge that she could face murder charges if another fatal incident occurred.
Defense and Prosecution Arguments
Adame's defense attorney, J. Michael Flanagan, contended that Adame did not personally administer the injections to Santangelo and was merely consulting for licensed practitioners in Mexico, where such procedures are legal. The defense also claimed that the timeline of events did not allow for Adame to have performed the injection. However, prosecutors presented evidence, including messages between Adame and Santangelo discussing the procedure, to establish that Adame was responsible for the fatal injection.
Family Impact Statements
During the sentencing hearing, family members of Santangelo expressed their grief and anger. Frank Santangelo described the profound impact of his wife's death on their family, stating, “I will never have my best friend, my boys won’t have their mom at their weddings.” Their son, Dante Santangelo, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Adame should not be allowed back on the streets due to her disregard for human life.
Official Statements and Responses
Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Sam Ohta, who presided over the case, rejected the defense's motion for a new trial, citing sufficient evidence to support the jury's verdict. The judge noted that Adame's actions were deceptive and selfish, leading to a preventable tragedy.
Broader Implications
The case has drawn attention to the dangers of unregulated cosmetic procedures, particularly silicone injections, which are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has issued warnings about the risks associated with such procedures, including severe complications and death.
What's Next
Following her conviction, Adame's attorneys have indicated plans to appeal the verdict. A restitution hearing has been scheduled for May 5, 2026, to address potential compensation for the victim's family.
