In a major development following the tragic death of Matthew Perry last year, federal prosecutors have charged five individuals in connection with the actor’s accidental overdose.
Among those arrested are two California doctors, a known drug dealer, a narcotics distributor, and Perry’s live-in personal assistant.
Matthew, famous for his role as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” was found unresponsive in the heated end of a pool at his Pacific Palisades home on October 28, 2023.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that Matthew Perry’s death resulted from the acute effects of ketamine, a powerful anesthetic known for its psychedelic properties.
The 18-count indictment names Jasveen Sangha, a North Hollywood resident dubbed the “ketamine queen,” who allegedly provided Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, with the ketamine that led to the actor’s death.
Iwamasa reportedly injected Perry with the drug on the day of his passing.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, another figure arrested in this case, had previously distributed ketamine to both Matthew and his assistant.
Following the arrests, Matthew Perry’s family, including his stepfather, “Dateline” correspondent Keith Morrison, expressed their relief over the legal actions taken.
“We were and still are heartbroken by Matthew’s death, but it has helped to know law enforcement has taken his case very seriously,” the family stated. “We look forward to justice taking its course.”
Matthew Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety, but medical examiners noted that the high levels of ketamine found in his system were far beyond what is typically used in therapeutic settings, equating to doses used for general anesthesia.
This, combined with drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, contributed to the coroner’s ruling of his death as accidental.
Matthew had openly discussed his struggles with opioid addiction and alcoholism, which he detailed in his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing.“
At the time of his death, Matthew Perry had reportedly been sober for 19 months.
Watch below as officials announce the arrests.
I will keep you posted on any additional developments in this case.
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Source: NBC News
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