A 27-year-old woman is dead after what was supposed to be an anti-aging injection at a holistic wellness center in Riverdale, and police say the man who treated her was not licensed to practice medicine in the United States. She was rushed to NewYork-Presbyterian Allen Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Detectives have launched a criminal investigation, and an autopsy has been ordered to pin down the official cause of death.
Arrest and initial charges
According to New York Daily News, police identified the man under arrest as Luis Rojas Cabrera. He is charged with reckless endangerment and unauthorized practice of a profession. Authorities say Rojas Cabrera presents himself as an M.D., surgeon and naturopath, but his license is from the Dominican Republic rather than the United States. Officers were called to the Riverdale location shortly after 1:10 p.m., and investigators have not yet publicly disclosed what substance was injected.
Where it happened
An online directory lists the business as Bereshit Lifestyle Center, which promotes naturopathic and anti-aging services at 3190 Riverdale Ave, Suite 1, in Riverdale. The listing describes a mix of lifestyle and complementary therapies and names Dr. Luis Rojas as a practitioner. As of now, city regulators have not posted any formal notice about the business’s status while the investigation plays out.
Investigation and possible upgrades
Police told New York Daily News that the autopsy results will determine the woman’s cause of death and could lead prosecutors to upgrade the charges, depending on what the medical examiner finds. Detectives are now collecting medical records, appointment logs and any products or supplies used in the procedure as part of the criminal probe. The Bronx District Attorney’s office has not yet released a public statement on the case.
Why unlicensed injections are dangerous
Across the region, underground cosmetic and surgical work has repeatedly ended in serious complications and deaths, especially when performed by people who lack U.S. medical licenses or proper training. In one recent Queens case, a man who ran a makeshift clinic pleaded guilty after being linked to a patient’s death, underscoring how invasive procedures can quickly turn fatal outside regulated settings, according to CBS New York. Medical reviews have noted that injectables and other invasive aesthetic treatments carry real risks, including toxicity, infection and vascular injury, and emphasize the need for licensed clinicians and strong oversight. A recent review on PubMed Central points to training and regulatory gaps that can increase patient harm when enforcement is lax.
Authorities say the investigation remains active, and the autopsy findings will steer prosecutors’ next moves. More information is expected as detectives finish their review and public-health officials decide whether any further action is warranted regarding the clinic.
