Overview

• Felipe Hoyos-Foronda, 37, was indicted on second-degree manslaughter, assault, and unauthorized practice charges after performing an unlicensed butt implant removal in his Astoria apartment on March 28, 2025.
• The victim, María Paz Peñaloza Cabrera, suffered cardiac arrest during the procedure, was declared brain dead, and died on April 11 after being removed from life support.
• Hoyos-Foronda, who admitted to performing hundreds of similar procedures without a U.S. medical license, was apprehended at JFK Airport on April 2 while attempting to flee to Colombia.
• Evidence seized included medical equipment and medications, such as syringes and lidocaine, found in his car and apartment, highlighting the dangers of unlicensed medical practices.
• Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz urged the public to verify medical credentials and warned of the risks posed by illicit cosmetic procedures as the investigation continues.