2 charged with murder in death of woman who underwent illegal butt-lift procedure at Encino home

Amy Powell Image
Sunday, September 19, 2021
2 charged with murder after woman undergoes butt-lift procedure, dies
In a plastic-surgery tragedy, a young woman died after undergoing what authorities say were multiple procedures performed by a mother-daughter duo in Encino.

ENCINO, Calif. (KABC) -- In a plastic-surgery tragedy, a young woman died after undergoing what authorities say were multiple procedures performed by a mother-daughter duo in Encino.

The mother and daughter have each been charged with murder, and investigators are asking any other possible victims to come forward.

The woman who died, Karissa Rajpaul, was seen in a video posted on social media undergoing butt augmentation. The footage is now part of a Los Angeles Police Department's investigation.

Rajpaul had two procedures illegally performed at a home in Encino last September. She died after undergoing a third procedure.

Police said Libby Adame and her daughter Alicia Gomez presented themselves as specialists. Both suspects have been arrested on murder charges.

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"These individuals have no medical training," LAPD Deputy Chief Alan Hamilton told ABC7. They're not experienced and they're putting people's lives at risk."

Investigators suspect the women injected Rajpaul with some substances used by qualified cosmetic physicians -- but combined them with dangerous chemicals.

"They were mixing them with chemicals and other substances that clearly are not appropriate for any medical procedure that would be performed on a human," Hamilton said.

Rajpaul came to Los Angeles from South Africa, hoping to work in the adult film industry, according to police.

Investigators said they've contacted other victims who have suffered long-term health issues after having procedures, and believe there may be many others.

"We're also seeking additional victims and relatives of victims who may have had loved ones disfigured or who passed away," Hamilton said.