The owner of a Texas wellness spa is facing a felony murder charge after a customer died from an IV treatment. Jenifer Cleveland, 47, visited the Luxe Medspa in Wortham, Texas, in July 2023, where she received an IV infusion containing vitamins and electrolytes. The IV was administered by an unlicensed individual, according to prosecutors. About half an hour after receiving the IV, Cleveland suffered a cardiac arrest and was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Charges Filed Against Spa Owner
Amber Johnson, the owner of the spa, turned herself in to the Freestone County Jail on April 28, 2026. She has been charged with felony murder, criminally negligent homicide, manslaughter, tampering with physical evidence, practicing medicine without a license, and nine counts of delivery of a dangerous drug, according to a Freestone County Jail spokesperson. Johnson was released on a $69,000 bond.
Autopsy and Investigation Findings
Cleveland's final autopsy determined that she died from “sudden cardiac death of uncertain etiology,” with the report noting that the IV therapy “cannot be definitely ruled-in or ruled-out as contributory.” However, the Texas Medical Board investigated and concluded in 2024 that Cleveland died “due to the improper administration” of an IV therapy. The IV contained TPN electrolytes, which require a slow infusion rate due to the high concentration of potassium. If too much potassium enters the bloodstream quickly, it can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
Medical Director Also Charged
Johnson did not have a medical license and operated the medspa despite Texas laws prohibiting unlicensed individuals from being the majority owner of medical practices. Dr. Michael Gallagher, the spa's medical director, has also been charged with murder, manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, and multiple counts related to providing dangerous drugs. He was arrested and released on a $96,500 bond on April 29. His medical license was suspended in 2023 amid the investigation.
New Legislation: Jenifer's Law
Cleveland's husband, Brian Cleveland, is suing Luxe Medspa for wrongful death and helped pass a law in his wife's name that regulates IV therapies. “Naming the legislation after Jenifer is maybe her way of giving back... Continue to help even though she's not physically still here with us,” he told KCEN in April 2025. Under the new law, every IV session must be ordered by a qualified prescriber—including physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners—and only medical professionals can administer the IVs. The law, called “Jenifer's Law,” was signed by Governor Gregg Abbott in June.
