A Botched Butt Injection Could Lead To Second-Degree Murder in Oklahoma 

Stories about “backyard” cosmetic procedures grab headlines, but they also raise serious criminal law questions. When a botched butt injection turns deadly, you’re not just looking at a tragic accident. In Oklahoma, you could be facing second-degree murder charges and related felony counts.

Case overview: the “Butt Lady” injection death

According to recent news reports, a California woman nicknamed the “Butt Lady” was convicted of second-degree murder after a TV actress died from silicone butt injections done outside a medical setting. Prosecutors said she injected industrial silicone into the actress’s buttocks, causing a fatal embolism soon after the procedure. The same provider had already been convicted in a prior case involving another client’s death, and she was also found guilty of practicing medicine without proper certification.

Accused of a similar charge in Oklahoma?

If you’ve been accused of a similar offense in Oklahoma, reach out for a free consultation. You can contact The Urbanic Law Firm through our online form to talk about your situation and possible defenses before you say another word to law enforcement.

How a similar case could be second-degree murder in Oklahoma

Oklahoma’s second-degree murder statute, 21 O.S. § 701.8, covers killings caused by conduct that’s “imminently dangerous” to another person and that shows a “depraved mind” in extreme disregard of human life, without a specific intent to kill a particular person. That kind of conduct creates a risk of death that any reasonable person would recognize as extremely high.

Imagine you’re offering unapproved butt injections in a living room, using nonmedical silicone, with no real emergency equipment. You’ve heard about serious complications yet keep doing the procedure for money. In Oklahoma, prosecutors could argue that you engaged in conduct that was imminently dangerous to another person and that your actions showed a depraved mind. Even if you didn’t mean for anyone to die, a jury could still see second-degree murder if the evidence supports that level of recklessness.

Second-degree murder can also be charged as “felony murder” when a death happens during the commission of a non-enumerated felony. If the State claimed you were committing an Oklahoma felony at the time — such as practicing medicine without a license — it might try to use that underlying felony to support a second-degree murder theory.

When first-degree manslaughter might apply instead

Prosecutors don’t always pursue second-degree murder. Under 21 O.S. § 711(1), Oklahoma first-degree manslaughter includes deaths that occur during the commission of a misdemeanor. If the State can’t prove the “depraved mind” element needed for second-degree murder, it might instead claim that you committed a qualifying misdemeanor and that the death was a direct result of that act. In a cosmetic injection scenario, the State could argue that the underlying unlawful medical conduct was at least a misdemeanor and that the procedure directly caused the death.

Unauthorized practice of medicine in Oklahoma

Oklahoma tightly controls who can practice medicine. Under Title 59, practicing medicine without a license is a crime, and it’s specifically listed in the criminal code as a chargeable offense. Even when nobody dies, you can be prosecuted for performing medical procedures — including injections — without the proper medical license.

Now layer in a death. If you’re accused of performing high-risk cosmetic injections without a license and a client dies, prosecutors might file both the unauthorized practice of medicine charge and a homicide charge. They may argue that the illegal medical practice was the predicate act that elevated the case from a tragic outcome to a serious felony, especially when injections happen in non-sterile settings with questionable materials.

Key Oklahoma legal definitions in play

To understand your exposure, you need to know the basic building blocks of these charges:

• Second-degree murder (21 O.S. § 701.8): Causing someone’s death by conduct that’s imminently dangerous to another person and that shows a depraved mind in extreme disregard of human life, without a specific intent to kill.
• First-degree manslaughter (21 O.S. § 711(1)): A death that happens as a direct result of an act committed during the commission of a misdemeanor, even if you never meant for anyone to die.
• Practicing medicine without a license (59 O.S. § 491 and related provisions): Holding yourself out as a medical provider or performing medical procedures without the required Oklahoma medical license.

Defense issues in fatal cosmetic procedure cases

These cases are complicated. The State still has to prove that your conduct caused the death beyond a reasonable doubt. Causation becomes a major battleground. Defense counsel may challenge whether the injection actually caused the embolism, whether pre-existing health issues contributed, or whether delay in emergency care broke the causal chain.

Intent and knowledge also matter. Prosecutors often argue that repeated procedures, prior warnings, or earlier complications show you knew the risks and chose to keep going. Your defense lawyer may bring in experts to explain how complications can strike even licensed professionals and to show that you didn’t actually appreciate the level of danger the State claims you did.

How to protect yourself if you perform aesthetic services in Oklahoma

If you’re involved in beauty or body enhancement work in Oklahoma, you need to stay in your legal lane. That means knowing when a service crosses the line into “practicing medicine,” making sure you only offer services you’re licensed and trained to perform, and refusing to provide risky underground procedures even when a client begs and offers cash.

Once a client suffers a serious complication, you’ll be under the microscope. Anything you say to police or on social media can end up in a courtroom, sometimes twisted against you. Talking with a criminal defense lawyer early can help you avoid making mistakes that turn a defensible case into a near-certain conviction.

Frequently asked questions about Oklahoma cosmetic-procedure deaths

Can you be charged with second-degree murder in Oklahoma for a botched cosmetic procedure?

Yes, you can. If a death results from conduct that’s imminently dangerous and shows a depraved mind — like using nonmedical silicone in a home injection setting — prosecutors may file second-degree murder charges in Oklahoma, even when you didn’t intend to kill anyone.

What’s the difference between second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter in Oklahoma?

Second-degree murder in Oklahoma usually involves extremely dangerous conduct and a depraved mind, while first-degree manslaughter under 21 O.S. § 711(1) involves a death that happens during the commission of a misdemeanor. The mental state and the underlying act are different, and that difference can mean years off a potential sentence.

How does Oklahoma treat unauthorized practice of medicine when someone dies?

Oklahoma treats unauthorized practice of medicine as a separate crime, and a resulting death can elevate your exposure dramatically. Prosecutors may try to use the unlicensed practice as the underlying unlawful act for either second-degree murder or first-degree manslaughter, depending on the facts they can prove.

Could an Oklahoma jury consider consent to cosmetic injections as a defense?

Client consent helps explain why you performed a procedure, but it usually doesn’t erase criminal liability in Oklahoma when the law says you can’t perform that medical act in the first place. A jury may still see the conduct as criminal if the State proves your actions violated the statutes and caused a death.

Why should I hire an Oklahoma criminal defense lawyer if I’m accused after a cosmetic procedure death?

Homicide and unauthorized practice of medicine charges can put your freedom, career, and finances at risk. An experienced Oklahoma criminal defense lawyer can analyze the evidence, work with medical experts, challenge causation, and fight for reduced charges, dismissal, or acquittal while you focus on protecting your future.

Contact The Urbanic Law Firm

If you’ve been charged with murder, manslaughter, unauthorized practice of medicine, or any other criminal offense in Oklahoma, contact The Urbanic Law Firm today. Call 405-633-3420 or fill out our form.
Based in Oklahoma City and serving clients statewide.

This page is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Every case is unique; consult an attorney about your specific situation. Page last updated November 13, 2025. Consult the statutes listed above for the most up-to-date law.