A California woman known as “Butt Lady” has been sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for the murder of actress Cindyana Santangelo, who died after receiving illegal silicone butt injections. The sentencing on November 5, 2025, concludes a case that underscores the dangers of unlicensed medical procedures.
Libby Adame, 55, was sentenced by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Sam Ohta after a jury convicted her in October of second-degree murder and practicing medicine without certification. The conviction followed the death of Santangelo, a 59-year-old Malibu resident with acting credits on popular TV shows like “Married… With Children,” “ER,” and “CSI: Miami.”
The fatal incident occurred on March 24, 2025, at Santangelo’s home, where Adame administered silicone oil injections into her buttocks. Shortly after the procedure, Santangelo experienced severe medical distress, including difficulty breathing and bleeding from the injection sites. Her husband, Frank Santangelo, called 911, and video evidence presented in court showed the frantic efforts to save her as she lay drooling and struggling to breathe.
Adame had a prior criminal history, having been convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2024 for the death of Karissa Rajpaul, a 26-year-old who died in 2019 from similar silicone injections. In that case, Adame was sentenced to three years in prison but released for time served, and the judge had explicitly warned her about the risks of such procedures. Despite this, she continued performing illegal injections.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence including text messages between Adame and Santangelo discussing the timing and price of the injection, which contradicted Adame’s defense that she only provided consultation and did not perform the procedure. The jury deliberated for just over a day before returning a guilty verdict on October 9, 2025.
Judge Ohta denied Adame’s motion for a new trial prior to sentencing, emphasizing the gravity of the crime. The case highlights repeated warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration about the dangers of unapproved silicone injections, which can cause embolisms, infections, and death.
Santangelo’s death has been described as a tragic outcome of seeking unauthorized cosmetic enhancements, and her passing has resonated in the entertainment community. The sentencing aims to deter similar illegal practices and promote public awareness about the importance of using licensed medical professionals for such procedures.
Adame will begin serving her sentence in state prison, with eligibility for parole after 15 years, as authorities continue to address the broader issue of unsafe cosmetic treatments.