An unlicensed spa operator from the Bronx turned himself in after a grand jury charged him with second-degree murder following the death of a 27-year-old patient, Elizabeth Baron. Luis Rojas Cabrera, 55, faced additional charges after the city’s medical examiner ruled Baron’s death a homicide, according to the New York Post.
The case comes after Baron visited Bereshit Lifestyle Center on Riverdale Avenue with her mother on for an anti-aging NAD injection. Air accidentally entered the IV line during the procedure, putting Baron into sudden cardiac arrest before she died at a nearby hospital. Investigators found that Cabrera claimed to be a doctor, but he only holds an esthetician license in the United States.
Court documents allege Cabrera told a police officer that he “made a very big mistake.” Assistant District Attorney Ethan Reisbaum said in an initial court hearing, “Administering NAD+ via an IV requires a prescription from a medical professional.” Cabrera was first charged with reckless endangerment and illegal practice, which let him stay free while waiting for autopsy results.
The legal battle continues
After the medical examiner confirmed an air bubble caused the fatal heart failure, prosecutors brought the new murder charge. He is now held on $2 million cash bail as he waits for the next court trial, according to CBS News New York.
Following the upgraded charges, the defense attorney Donald Vogelman stated, “What the DA did is outrageous. There is no case ever in New York State under these facts where anyone has been convicted.” Vogelman pointed out that his client called 911 and performed CPR.
He also added, “The law is clear that the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant did not care if the patient lived or died. The fact he called 911 and performed CPR shows that he did care and that it was an unfortunate accident.”
Cabrera also claimed chest compressions or hidden health issues could have caused air in her heart. He said, “When I investigated with other doctors, they told me it was a possibility. The prolonged CPR can produce air in the heart chambers.” However, the official medical report found no pre-existing conditions.
NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme essential for cellular regeneration. It can potentially be used in anti-aging serums and facial cleansers. NAD+ therapies are medical interventions that can increase or replenish the NAD+ supply in your cells. These therapies are available as a dietary supplement, IV infusion, or shot form, according to U.S. News. Several mainstream celebrities also resort to anti-aging treatments in an attempt to reverse aging.
Published: Oct 7, 2026 10:42 am