Matthew Perry, the beloved actor famed for his role on “Friends,” passed away due to the acute effects of ketamine, as determined by an autopsy. On Thursday, federal officials in Los Angeles announced that five individuals have been charged in relation to his death. Among them are a doctor and Perry’s assistant, who are currently involved in plea agreements for federal drug charges linked to the incident. Two additional suspects, including another physician and a woman referred to as “The Ketamine Queen,” who allegedly sold Perry the lethal dose of ketamine, were apprehended on Thursday.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada informed that a comprehensive investigation was launched following Perry’s demise in October 2023, revealing an extensive underground network engaged in distributing substantial amounts of ketamine to Perry and others.
Estrada characterized the defendants as having exploited Perry’s addiction for their own gain, highlighting that they were aware their actions could result in significant harm to him.
The primary defendants include Jasveen Sangha, 41, known as “The Ketamine Queen,” and Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 42. The three other individuals involved are Dr. Mark Chavez, 54, who confessed to selling ketamine to Plasencia; Eric Fleming, 54, who distributed the fatal ketamine; and Perry’s live-in assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, 59, who administered the drug on the day of Perry’s death.
Authorities state that over a two-month period, Plasencia and Chavez facilitated the distribution of around 20 vials of ketamine to Perry, totaling $55,000 in cash transactions. Plasencia allegedly viewed this as an opportunity for financial gain.
Notably, Plasencia is facing several charges including distributing ketamine and tampering with records related to the investigation. Sangha is also charged with conspiracy to distribute ketamine and is implicated in the sale of the batch that resulted in Perry’s demise.
During court proceedings, both Sangha and Plasencia pleaded not guilty. Plasencia has been released on a $100,000 bond, while Sangha’s previous bond was revoked due to concerns regarding her conduct.
After Perry’s tragic passing, some co-conspirators attempted to distance themselves from him, with Sangha even instructing others to delete all communications. The investigation indicates a pattern of illicit behavior, with incriminating evidence including fraudulent prescriptions and drug paraphernalia found in Sangha’s possession.
Perry died on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54, after being discovered unresponsive in a jacuzzi at his Los Angeles residence. The autopsy specified that his death was due to ketamine overdose, compounded by other health issues.
Perry’s family expressed their heartbreak over his loss but acknowledged the seriousness with which law enforcement has approached the case, hoping for justice in the aftermath of their loved one’s death.