Matthew Perry’s tragic death has led to serious accusations against several individuals, including doctors and North Hollywood’s alleged “Ketamine Queen.” Prosecutors claim these people took advantage of Perry’s struggles with addiction and supplied him with the ketamine that ultimately caused his death.
Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on “Friends,” passed away last October at age 54. His body was discovered in a jacuzzi at his Pacific Palisades home, and the cause of death was determined to be “acute effects of ketamine” followed by drowning.
In his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” Perry shared his long battle with addiction, which began after a jet ski accident in 1997 led to prescription painkillers.
Prosecutors say Perry’s addiction resurfaced last fall. US Attorney Martin Estrada announced charges against five people linked to Perry’s death, alleging they prioritized profit over his well-being.
Two doctors, Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez, are accused of supplying Perry with ketamine. Estrada claims Plasencia saw Perry as a way to make money. Plasencia reportedly reached out to Chavez last September to get ketamine for Perry. In a text, Plasencia even joked about how much money Perry would pay for the drug.
In the weeks leading up to Perry’s death, Plasencia sold ketamine to Perry’s assistant, taught them how to administer it, and even injected Perry personally. On October 12, Plasencia allegedly gave Perry a large dose that caused severe medical reactions.
Eric Fleming, another person close to Perry, is accused of seeking ketamine from a dealer for Perry. From September to October 2023, Perry received around 20 vials of ketamine, costing him about $55,000.
Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the “Ketamine Queen,” is said to have run a drug operation out of her home. Fleming obtained ketamine from Sangha and provided it to Perry. Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who lacked medical training, administered ketamine to Perry repeatedly, including on the day of his death.
After Perry’s death, Fleming and Sangha reportedly tried to erase evidence of their drug dealings. Fleming texted Sangha, claiming they were “90% sure everyone is protected” and shifted blame onto Perry’s assistant.
The accused have started to respond to the charges:
- Plasencia has pleaded not guilty to charges including conspiracy and distribution of ketamine, with his lawyer arguing that the ketamine involved in Perry’s death was not connected to him.
- Chavez has agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
- Sangha has denied multiple charges related to ketamine distribution and possession.
- Fleming has admitted to conspiracy and distribution charges related to Perry’s death.
- Iwamasa has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.
The legal proceedings continue as the case unfolds
