Dean Faiello (born August 31, 1959) is an American criminal formerly imprisoned at Attica Correctional Facility for the April 2003 death of Maria Cruz, whom he had presented himself to as a dermatologist.
On his website, Faiello claimed to hold a Master of Science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) and the credential of Certified Professional Electrologist,[3] despite it lapsing in 1998 after he failed to earn continuing education units required to maintain certification.
He was arrested two days later on three counts of practicing medicine without a license, but was released on bail with the condition that he refrain from treating patients.
[5] On April 13, 2003, Filipino-American investment banker, Maria Cruz, had an appointment with Faiello for laser treatment of scars.
In Faiello's December 2022 interview with ABC News' David Scott, during the ABC 20/20 news special Doctor Deceit, he contradicts his prior account, alleging Cruz exhibited "laboured breathing" for "about ten minutes" after he injected her legs with "too many vials of lidocaine," then proceeded to perform the laser treatment for scarring on her inner thighs while she was unresponsive.
According to Vanity Fair reporter Bryan Burrough, the doctor told him to either call 911 or rush Cruz to a hospital emergency room.
Faiello claims he put the suitcase containing Maria Cruz in his car, drove straight home, and then left her in the trunk for two days before finally moving her body into his garage, which was undergoing renovations.
[7] After homicide detective, Brian Ford, received a tip from Faiello's ex-boyfriend, Greg Bach, Maria Cruz's body was recovered from the property (now occupied by new home-owners), by law enforcement from the New York Attorney General's Office on February 18, 2004.
"[6] Faiello fled United States law enforcement in September 2003, entering Costa Rica on a three-month visa.
During this time, he continued using his real name, and convinced a local couple of modest financial means that took him in, to relocate to a nicer house Faiello wanted, and pay the rent for him.
On December 4, 2006, he entered into a plea agreement; pleading guilty to one-count of first degree assault and practicing medicine without a Medical license, in exchange for a 20-year prison sentence.