Prosecutors allege that a network of individuals, including doctors and North Hollywood’s purported “Ketamine Queen,” exploited Matthew Perry’s vulnerability as a recovering addict, supplying him with the ketamine that led to his death. Five people are now facing charges in connection with Perry’s demise.
Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” was found dead at his Pacific Palisades home last October. The 54-year-old actor was discovered face down in a standalone jacuzzi. An autopsy revealed that Perry’s death resulted from “acute effects of ketamine” combined with drowning.
In his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” Perry recounted his prolonged battle with addiction, which began following a 1997 jet ski accident on the set of “Fools Rush In,” leading to his prescription of Vicodin. Authorities believe Perry relapsed into addiction last fall, according to US Attorney Martin Estrada.
Estrada stated that a group of individuals prioritized financial gain over Perry’s well-being.
Key Figures in the Case
Doctors’ Alleged Exploitation
Two doctors, Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez, are accused of supplying Perry with ketamine. Estrada revealed that Plasencia viewed this as an opportunity for profit, citing a September 2023 text where Plasencia questioned how much Perry would pay and expressed a desire to be Perry’s sole supplier. Between September and October 2023, Perry reportedly received around 20 vials of ketamine, costing him approximately $55,000.
Ketamine Queen’s Role
Jasveen Sangha, identified by authorities as North Hollywood’s “Ketamine Queen,” operated what was described as a “drug selling emporium” from her home. Another defendant, Eric Fleming, allegedly obtained ketamine from Sangha and distributed it to Perry, which ultimately led to his death.
Assistant’s Actions
Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s assistant, is accused of administering ketamine injections despite lacking medical training. According to the indictment, Iwamasa injected Perry with at least 21 doses of ketamine during the last week of his life, including multiple injections on October 28, the day of Perry’s death.
Pleas and Reactions
Dr. Salvador Plasencia
Plasencia has pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution of ketamine. His attorney, Stefan Sacks, argued that Perry was under medically supervised treatment and asserted that the ketamine involved in Perry’s death was not related to Plasencia.
Dr. Mark Chavez
Chavez has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
Jasveen Sangha
Sangha has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine and maintaining a drug-involved premises.
Eric Fleming
Fleming has admitted guilt to charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution resulting in death. His attorney declined to comment.
Kenneth Iwamasa
Iwamasa has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.
The case continues to unfold as legal proceedings advance.
