Empire State Review Team 
Queens Man Charged in Fatal Botched Surgery Case
NEW YORK – Felipe Hoyos-Foronda, a man accused of masquerading as a medical professional, appeared in court on Monday following allegations that he performed a deadly cosmetic surgery on Maria Peñaloza, a 31-year-old mother from Colombia. The incident, which left Peñaloza dead, has drawn significant attention and concern from the community.
Incident Overview
Authorities report that Peñaloza sought a cosmetic procedure to remove butt implants at Hoyos-Foronda’s apartment in Astoria. During the procedure, he allegedly injected her with lidocaine, resulting in her cardiac arrest. Despite efforts to save her, she was declared brain-dead shortly thereafter.
Charges Filed
Prosecutors have charged Hoyos-Foronda with manslaughter following his arrest at John F. Kennedy Airport while he was reportedly attempting to flee to Colombia. His arraignment took place at Queens Criminal Court, where he faced the gravity of the charges against him.
Family’s Grief and Demand for Justice
Peñaloza’s family traveled from Colombia to attend the court proceedings, expressing their heartbreak and outrage. Her mother, Gladys Cabrera Medina, stated, “I never thought she was going to die like that. She told me, ‘Mommy, you’re going to live with me and the kids.’” Her father, Jaime Peñaloza, described the accused as “an assassin” and emphasized the lifelong impact of their daughter’s tragic death on their family.
Community Reaction
The shocking nature of this incident has sparked discussions on patient safety and the importance of verifying medical qualifications before undergoing procedures. Many in the community are calling for stricter regulations to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Conclusion
The case of Felipe Hoyos-Foronda serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with unverified medical practices. As the legal proceedings unfold, the Peñaloza family seeks justice for their loss, hoping to prevent other families from enduring similar heartbreak.
