5 People Face Charges in the Death of Matthew Perry

Five individuals, including Matthew Perry’s personal assistant and two doctors, have been charged in connection with the actor’s death from a ketamine overdose, revealing a startling underground network that exploited his addiction.

At a Glance

Five people charged in relation to Matthew Perry’s ketamine-related death
Perry’s assistant admitted to administering ketamine injections, including on the day he died
Two doctors and a drug dealer known as the “Ketamine Queen” among those charged
Perry spent approximately $55,000 on ketamine in the two months before his death

Charges Reveal Shocking Details of Perry’s Final Days

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has charged five individuals in connection with the death of beloved “Friends” actor Matthew Perry. The charges stem from what prosecutors describe as a “broad underground criminal network” that supplied Perry with dangerous amounts of ketamine in the months leading up to his death last October.

Among those charged is Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s personal assistant, who admitted to administering ketamine injections to the actor, including on the day of his death. Prosecutors allege that Iwamasa injected Perry with at least 27 shots of ketamine in the five days before he died, highlighting the severity of the actor’s addiction.

In the days leading up to Matthew Perry's death he was getting at least six shots of ketamine a day from his live-in personal assistant, according to a federal indictment charging multiple people in connection with Perry's death.https://t.co/YuAJstkvCB pic.twitter.com/m9McOYJqrx

— Omar Jimenez (@OmarJimenez) August 15, 2024

Medical Professionals Implicated in Perry’s Death

Two doctors, Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Dr. Mark Chavez, face multiple charges related to ketamine distribution and falsifying records. Prosecutors claim these medical professionals abused their positions of trust to profit from Perry’s addiction.

“We are not talking about legitimate ketamine treatment,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. “We’re talking about two doctors who abused the trust they had, abused their licenses to put another person’s life at risk.”

Text messages revealed in the indictment show the callous nature of the defendants’ actions. One doctor allegedly wrote, “I wonder how much this moron will pay,” referring to Perry’s willingness to pay for ketamine.

The “Ketamine Queen” and Perry’s Desperate Search for Drugs

Another defendant, Jasveen Sangha, described as a drug dealer known as the “Ketamine Queen,” has been denied bond. Prosecutors allege that Sangha’s home was a “drug-selling emporium” linked to a previous ketamine-related death.

“These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves,” Estrada said. “They knew what they were doing was risking great danger to Mr. Perry, but they did it anyway.”

The investigation revealed that Perry spent approximately $55,000 in cash on ketamine in the two months before his death. This shocking amount underscores the severity of his addiction and the exploitation he faced from those around him.

A Tragic End to a Lifelong Struggle

Perry had a long history of addiction, dating back to his time on the hit TV show “Friends.” While he had been receiving legitimate ketamine treatments for depression, he sought more from other sources when his regular doctors refused to continue prescribing the drug.

On October 28, 2023, Perry’s assistant found him dead in his hot tub. The medical examiner listed ketamine as the primary cause of death, along with drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine effects.

Perry’s family expressed their heartbreak and appreciation for law enforcement’s efforts in a statement. “We look forward to justice taking its course,” Perry’s stepfather Keith Morrison said.

As the case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of addiction and the importance of seeking legitimate medical help. The charges against these five individuals highlight the need for greater oversight in the medical community and stricter penalties for those who exploit vulnerable individuals struggling with addiction.