Wellness center death ruled homicide

The death of Elizabeth Baron, 27, following an intravenous NAD+ infusion at a Bronx wellness center has been officially classified as a homicide by the city's medical examiner. Baron died from a cardiac air embolism approximately one hour after receiving the treatment in July.

This ruling allows prosecutors to pursue more severe charges against Luis Rojas Cabrera, the individual who administered the infusion. Cabrera was initially charged with reckless endangerment and unauthorized practice of a profession. He reportedly stated he made a "very big mistake" and is a licensed doctor in the Dominican Republic but lacks a US medical license.

NAD+ infusions have gained popularity in the unregulated wellness industry, despite limited scientific evidence of their efficacy in humans. The case highlights the risks associated with such treatments due to a lack of oversight, as practitioners are not required to be board-certified in longevity medicine in the United States.

Cabrera's lawyer argued that a homicide can result from an accident, not necessarily intent, and expressed confidence in his client's exoneration. The case is expected to proceed to a grand jury before Cabrera's next court appearance on October 7.