A devastating legal battle has erupted in Durango following the tragic death of 14-year-old Paloma Nicole Arellano Escobedo. Her father, Carlos Arellano, is demanding justice after discovering his daughter died following unauthorized cosmetic surgery, which was allegedly concealed from him.

The Deception

The ordeal began on September 11, when Paloma’s mother informed Carlos that their daughter had tested positive for COVID-19. She claimed they were heading to the mountains to isolate, warning him there would be no cell signal. Trusting this explanation, Carlos was blindsided days later by a call stating Paloma was critically ill at Clínica Santa María.

A Tragic Discovery

Upon arriving at the hospital, Carlos found his daughter in an induced coma following cardiorespiratory arrest. Despite brief signs of improvement, Paloma was declared brain-dead on September 20.

The tragedy took a disturbing turn during the wake, where Carlos reportedly discovered surgical scars on her body. He alleges the teen underwent a cosmetic procedure performed by a doctor—reportedly her stepfather—without his consent. Furthermore, he claims the death certificate falsely listed “illness” as the cause to cover up the procedure.

Investigation Underway

The State Attorney General’s Office has confirmed an open investigation into potential medical negligence and the legality of the procedure. As authorities wait for final pathology results, the case has sparked a fierce debate over parental consent and the ethics of performing plastic surgery on minors.