Improper butt lift doctor arrested fleeing after patient’s death at airport Starbucks, according to law enforcement.

A Queens man, Felipe Hoyos-Foronda, has been arrested and charged with manslaughter following the death of 31-year-old María Paz Peñaloza Cabrera after a botched butt implant procedure. Prosecutors allege that Hoyos-Foronda, who was operating without a medical license, performed the injection at his home in Astoria on March 28. He reportedly had performed “hundreds” of similar procedures prior to this incident.

Authorities indicate that after the procedure went awry, resulting in Peñaloza Cabrera suffering from lidocaine toxicity—a serious condition that can lead to seizures and cardiac arrest—Hoyos-Foronda attempted to flee the country. He was apprehended while waiting for a Starbucks order at John F. Kennedy International Airport, just moments before boarding a flight to Colombia. Prosecutor Gregory Lasak stated that Hoyos-Foronda had booked the flight while driving from the scene of the incident, claiming fear of arrest.

Upon his arrest, law enforcement found significant evidence of his illegal activities in his vehicle, including used syringes and vials of lidocaine and human growth hormone. Legal experts stress that such findings underscore the severe risks associated with unlicensed medical practices.

Peñaloza Cabrera succumbed to her injuries after being removed from a ventilator two weeks post-procedure. She was a mother of two young children and had sought the procedure to remove a problematic butt implant. Her family has expressed deep sorrow and outrage over her death, with her mother stating that Hoyos-Foronda poses a danger to society and that he should be held accountable for his actions.

During his arraignment in Queens Supreme Court, Hoyos-Foronda was ordered held without bail, facing up to 15 years in prison if convicted. Assistant District Attorney Lasak revealed that Hoyos-Foronda admitted to his lack of licensure during his arrest and had charged Peñaloza Cabrera ,900 for the procedure, further complicating the issue of accountability in medical practices.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has cautioned potential patients seeking cosmetic surgeries to rigorously verify the credentials of medical practitioners before undergoing any procedures. She emphasized the recurring issue of unlicensed individuals posing as medical professionals, underscoring the importance of public safety and diligence.

Communities affected by such incidents are urged to remain vigilant, as the risks associated with seeking cosmetic enhancements through unauthorized means can lead to tragic outcomes. As this case unfolds, it may serve as a critical reminder of the importance of regulatory compliance in medical practices and the potential consequences of lax oversight.

This incident raises ongoing questions about the safety regulations surrounding cosmetic procedures and the essential need for stringent enforcement of professional licensing standards.