Home / Crime and Justice / Texas Spa Owner Charged in Patient's IV Death
Texas Spa Owner Charged in Patient's IV Death
7 May
Summary
- Spa owner faces felony murder charge after patient's death.
- IV treatment administered by unlicensed individual, prosecutors say.
- New law mandates licensed professionals for IV therapy administration.
Amber Johnson, owner of Luxe Medspa in Wortham, Texas, faces serious charges including felony murder, criminally negligent homicide, and practicing medicine without a license. These charges stem from the July 2023 death of client Jenifer Cleveland, who suffered cardiac arrest after receiving an IV infusion.
Prosecutors allege the IV was administered by an unlicensed individual. While Cleveland's autopsy listed sudden cardiac death of uncertain etiology, a subsequent Texas Medical Board investigation in 2024 concluded improper IV administration caused the fatality. The IV contained TPN electrolytes, which, if infused too quickly, can lead to fatal cardiac arrhythmias due to high potassium concentration.
Johnson, who reportedly lacked a medical license, operated the medspa in violation of Texas law. Dr. Michael Gallagher, the spa's medical director, also faces multiple charges, including murder and manslaughter, and his medical license was suspended in 2023.
In the wake of this tragedy, Brian Cleveland, Jenifer's husband, is suing Luxe Medspa for wrongful death. He also championed 'Jenifer's Law,' signed by Governor Gregg Abbott in June. This legislation mandates that all IV sessions must be prescribed by a qualified practitioner and administered solely by licensed medical professionals.
