Matthew Perry’s death in October 2023 was initially ruled an accident, but a toxicology report revealed that he died from the acute effects of ketamine, a drug he had been receiving to treat depression and anxiety. The investigation into his death took a turn in May 2024 when the Los Angeles Police Department opened an investigation into how Perry obtained the ketamine found in his system.
In August 2024, five individuals, including a licensed physician, drug dealers, and a former personal assistant of Perry, were hit with federal charges related to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. Court documents alleged a complex scheme where the physician provided ketamine to Perry’s assistant, who administered injections of ketamine to Perry, ultimately resulting in the actor’s death.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced that Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Jasveen Sangha, Kenneth Iwamasa, Erik Fleming, and Dr. Mark Chavez were charged in connection with Perry’s death. Fleming pleaded guilty to distributing the ketamine that led to Perry’s death, while Iwamasa admitted to injecting Perry with ketamine without medical training. Chavez agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
The U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized that those involved in the case prioritized profit over Perry’s well-being, and drug dealers who cause harm through the distribution of dangerous substances will be held accountable. The case serves as a warning to others involved in the distribution of illicit substances and highlights the importance of investigating and prosecuting drug-related crimes that result in death.
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