Bronx, New York — A 27-year-old woman has died after receiving a serum injection at a wellness center in the Bronx, prompting a police investigation that led to criminal charges against the practitioner who allegedly treated her without a U.S. medical license.
According to police, Elizabeth Baron became unconscious while undergoing treatment at the Bereshit Lifestyle Center on Riverdale Avenue on Sunday. She was rushed to a nearby hospital shortly after 1 p.m., but doctors were unable to save her.
The incident has raised questions about medical licensing and the oversight of alternative healthcare providers operating in New York.
Woman Lost Consciousness During Treatment
Law enforcement officials said Baron was receiving an injection involving a serum when the medical emergency occurred.
Authorities have not publicly identified the type of serum that was administered or whether the treatment was intended for a specific medical condition.
After she lost consciousness, emergency responders transported her to a hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. Officials said investigators are continuing to gather evidence surrounding the circumstances leading up to the fatal incident.
Police Say Practitioner Was Not Licensed in the U.S.
Police identified the practitioner as Dr. Luis Rojas, who advertises holistic and alternative medicine services through the Bereshit Lifestyle Center.
According to investigators, Rojas is licensed to practice medicine in the Dominican Republic but does not hold a medical license in the United States.
Authorities also noted that while his website promotes various holistic health services, it does not indicate that he lacks authorization to practice medicine in the U.S. The website states that he is certified as a medical assistant in alternative medicine.
Following the investigation, police charged Rojas with reckless endangerment and unauthorized practice of a profession. Officials have not released information regarding legal representation for Rojas.
Medical Examiner Working to Determine Cause of Death
The New York City Medical Examiner is conducting an investigation to determine Elizabeth Baron’s official cause of death.
At this stage, authorities have not confirmed whether the serum injection directly caused her death or whether any underlying medical conditions may have contributed to the medical emergency.
Investigators are expected to review medical records, treatment details and autopsy findings before reaching a final conclusion.
Until those results are available, police have not released additional information about the specific treatment Baron received before she became unresponsive.
Investigation Remains Ongoing
The case remains under active investigation as authorities continue examining what occurred inside the wellness center.
The incident also highlights the importance of verifying that healthcare providers are properly licensed before undergoing medical treatments, particularly those involving injections or other invasive procedures.
Officials have not announced whether additional charges could be filed as investigators await the Medical Examiner’s final report.
What are your thoughts on this case? Do you think stricter oversight is needed for alternative medicine and wellness clinics? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
