The mother and stepfather of 14-year-old Paloma Nicole, who tragically passed away after undergoing several cosmetic surgeries in central Mexico, have been arrested and charged.
Nicole, who was about to celebrate her birthday, reportedly had a breast augmentation and fat removal procedure on September 12. Just a week later, she was admitted to the hospital in critical condition, and sadly, she died a few days after that.
Her biological father later uncovered the truth surrounding her death. Initially informed by Nicole’s mother that COVID-19 was the cause, he examined his daughter’s body with the assistance of a relative and discovered evident signs of surgical procedures.
Local news sources, including Victoria de Durango and Latinus, report that Nicole’s mother, identified as Paloma Jazmín “N”, and her partner, Víctor Manuel “N”, have been taken into custody by the police. Víctor Manuel, who lacks a medical license, is accused of performing the surgeries himself, according to the news outlet Periodico Victoria.
Sonia Yadira de la Garza, the state’s Attorney General, confirmed that the couple faces multiple charges, including neglecting their responsibilities as guardians, using false documents, and impersonation.
Authorities also allege that Nicole’s mother pretended to be a nurse during the surgery, despite having no medical qualifications.
Investigators reported that a fake COVID-19 test was included in the documentation for the procedure.
“We already possessed definitive proof that the document was modified or forged based on an earlier version,” stated the Attorney General.
The situation has ignited significant anger in Durango. On Saturday (September 27), hundreds of individuals took to the streets to call for justice for Nicole.
Her father led the demonstration, expressing to reporters (via Latinus): “It’s a pain that consumes you, it obliterates all hope, all dreams. I had so many aspirations for my daughter, and in an instant, everything crumbled.”
Nicole’s half-brother, Christopher Olivas, has taken to social media to share that the family has been receiving threats through WhatsApp following the arrests. He portrayed Nicole as a person who cherished beauty, makeup, and caring for her curls, mentioning that she faced insecurities like many young individuals her age.
In a troubling revelation, it has also been reported that Víctor Manuel’s own mother passed away after having a similar cosmetic procedure at the same clinic.
Nicole’s situation has sparked a movement in Mexico, prompting serious discussions about unlicensed cosmetic surgeries, accountability, and the safeguarding of minors.
