Libby Adame Gets 15-Year Sentence for Fatal Injection of Cindyana Santangelo
A woman from Riverside County, Libby Adame, has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for her role in the fatal injection of Hollywood actress Cindyana Santangelo. This sentencing, which took place on a Wednesday, follows Adame’s conviction for second-degree murder and practicing medicine without a license.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred in March when Santangelo, known for her appearances on “Married… With Children” and “ER,” received silicone injections in her buttocks at her home. Unfortunately, she suffered a silicone embolism shortly after the injection, leading to her untimely death.
Court Proceedings
During the trial, Judge Sam Ohta provided insights into the circumstances of Santangelo’s death. He noted that the silicone oil injected into Santangelo migrated to her bloodstream and ultimately to her lungs, resulting in a lack of oxygen that caused her demise.
Prosecutors presented evidence indicating that Adame was not merely consulting with Santangelo but actively involved in administering the fatal injections. In contrast, Adame’s defense claimed that the procedure was performed by someone else, arguing the timeline of events did not support the prosecution’s case.
Previous Convictions and Cases
- In 2024, Adame and her daughter, Alicia Galaz, were convicted of involuntary manslaughter for a similar incident involving another woman, Karissa Rajpaul.
- Rajpaul also developed an embolism and later died after receiving illegal silicone injections.
- In that case, Adame and Galaz were sentenced to prison but released after serving time under electronic monitoring.
Community Reactions
The tragic loss of Santangelo has deeply affected her family. Her husband, Frank Santangelo, expressed profound sorrow, stating that their lives have been turned upside down and that he has lost his best friend. He emphasized the impact Santangelo had through her work in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center.
Dante Santangelo, the victim’s son, voiced his concerns about the danger posed by individuals like Adame, who disregard human life and safety.
Legal Context of Silicone Injections
It is important to note that silicone injections in the buttocks are not approved by the FDA. The agency warns of severe side effects that can even lead to death, underscoring the risks involved in such procedures.
In the aftermath of the trial, Adame’s attorney sought a new trial, arguing the absence of direct evidence linking her to the injections. However, the judge denied this motion before imposing the 15-year to life sentence on Adame.
