A Riverside County woman has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison following the tragic death of actress Cindyana Santangelo, who succumbed to complications from silicone injections she received in her buttocks. Libby Adame was found guilty of second-degree murder and practicing medicine without a license in relation to the fatal procedure.
The sentencing took place after a jury delivered its verdict last month regarding the botched injection administered in March, which ultimately caused Santangelo to die from silicone embolism at her own home. The actress, known for her roles in “Married… With Children” and “ER,” as well as her appearance in Young MC’s “Bust a Move” music video, experienced severe breathing difficulties shortly after the injection, leading to her tragic passing.
During the trial, Judge Sam Ohta explained how the silicone oil had migrated from the injection site into Santangelo’s bloodstream, eventually reaching her lungs and preventing oxygen from circulating throughout her body. While Adame’s defense contended that she was merely present for a consultation and not the procedure itself, prosecutors highlighted inconsistencies in her statements and communications with Santangelo that indicated her involvement in the fatal injection.
This sentencing follows Adame’s previous conviction in 2024 for involuntary manslaughter related to another incident involving silicone injections, which also ended in a fatality. Adame and her daughter, who were previously sentenced to prison, had been released after serving time under electronic monitoring.
The victim’s family expressed their sorrow and disbelief. Dante Santangelo, the victim’s son, spoke out during the court proceedings, emphasizing the danger posed by individuals who disregard human life. Similarly, Santangelo’s husband, Frank, conveyed their profound loss, stating that they would never regain the life they once shared.
It is crucial to note that silicone injections for cosmetic enhancement are not approved by the FDA, which warns that they can lead to serious health risks, including death.
As Adame’s attorney filed a motion for a new trial citing a lack of direct evidence, the court ultimately denied this request before imposing the lengthy prison sentence. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential hazards associated with unregulated medical procedures and the devastating consequences that can arise from such actions.