BEVERLY HILLS—The Beverly Hills Police Department arrested an anesthesiologist in connection with a homicide investigation. Canyon News received a press release from Lt. Elisabeth Albanese of the BHPD, who indicated on September 26, Beverly Hills Police and Fire responded to a medical emergency at Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery located at 421 N. Rodeo Drive, after receiving a 9-1-1 call of a patient not breathing.

The 71-year-old patient, Dr. Mark Greenspan underwent surgery that morning and stopped breathing during recovery. Personnel from the Beverly Hills Fire Department attempted life saving measures, but the patient succumbed to his condition. Detectives from the BHPD initiated an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the patient’s death. During the course of their investigation, detectives determined that the anesthesiologist, who assisted in the surgery, licensed physician Dr. Stephen Kyo-Sung Kim, 53, was under the influence of narcotics during the procedure.

Detectives conducted an exhaustive three-month-long investigation with assistance from The Medical Board of California and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation indicated that Kim administered a lethal dose of Demerol to the patient during recovery, resulting in the Greenspan going into cardiac arrest leading to his death.

Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery performs procedures including breast augmentation, breast life, male chest surgery, liposuction, facelift, browlift or forehead lift, eyelift, rhinoplasty, and skin care services including (skin resurfacing, Botox, collagen and other fillers). The company was founded by Lloyd M. Krieger, MD and medical director of Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery. An Assistant Clinical Professor at the UCLA Division of Plastic Surgery, he completed extensive research on how to make plastic surgery a more rewarding experience for patients. His academic work has led to the publication of more than 50 articles, including more than 20 in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, the premier plastic surgery journal.

Lt. Albanese indicated to Canyon News in an email that the Department is not looking to press charges against any others at the facility in connection to Greenspan’s death at this time. She added that there have not been any reports of any other such incidents at the facility in recent months.

On Wednesday, December 13, Dr. Stephen Kim was arrested and charged with one count of Murder, § 187(a) of the California Penal Code. Kim’s bail is set at $1,000,000. He appeared at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center for arraignment on Thursday, December 14, and could face up to 25 years in state prison if convicted as charged. The case is still under investigation by the Beverly Hills Police Department.