ARAPAHOE COUNTY – Arapahoe County Sheriff Investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Dr. Geoffrey Kim, 52, for the death of Emmalyn Nguyen, 18. Nguyen underwent breast augmentation surgery at Colorado Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery on August 1, 2019, and went into cardiac arrest after being administered anesthesia. She fell into a coma and died 14 months later. After a lengthy criminal investigation, an arrest warrant was issued for Dr. Kim. He turned himself into authorities accompanied by his attorney on February 16, 2022. He’s facing two felony criminal charges:
First Degree Aggravated Assault (18-3-202) – Class 3 Felony
Criminally Negligent Homicide (18-3-105) – Class 4 Felony
“We opened this criminal case in August 2019. The investigation has taken more than two years to complete and involved dozens of interviews and search warrants. Our hope is that this will be the beginning of bringing justice and a sense of closure to Emmalyn’s family.“ says Travis Stewart, Captain of Investigations.
Rex Meeker, a nurse anesthetist, is also facing a criminal charge of Manslaughter (18-3-102). A warrant has been issued for his arrest. He is not yet in custody.
Dr. Geoffrey Kim was booked and released after posting bond. His booking photo is attached. This is an open, active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time. Please contact Vikki Migoya with the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s office for further information.