Death of 'Friends' Star Matthew Perry: Five, Including Assistant and Doctors, Charged
Death of 'Friends' Star Matthew Perry: Five, Including Assistant and Doctors, Charged
Includes Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the “ketamine queen,” alleged to have been a direct supplier of the injectable anaesthetic drug to Perry through illicit channels.
Multiple Arrests in Connection with Actor Matthew Perry’s Fatal Overdose
LOS ANGELES, CA — In a startling development linked to the death of renowned "Friends" star Matthew Perry, five individuals—including Perry's personal assistant and two doctors—have been formally charged. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada announced the charges on Thursday, August 15, highlighting their alleged role in a clandestine network that provided Perry with fatal doses of ketamine, resulting in his overdose and death in October last year.
Details of the Charges
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada announced the charges, describing a disturbing scenario in which Perry was provided ketamine under dangerous circumstances. The indictment reveals how two doctors exploited Perry’s well-documented struggles with addiction by prescribing and administering excessive amounts of the drug, well beyond any medical necessity. One of the doctors is alleged to have disdainfully texted about maximizing profit from Perry's dependency: “I wonder how much this moron will pay; let’s find out.”
Role of the Personal Assistant
Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's assistant, who lived with him, is said to have been instrumental in administering the ketamine on the day Perry died. Iwamasa discovered Perry deceased and was among the first to cooperate with investigators. He, along with two others, has already entered a guilty plea for his role in the events leading to Perry’s death.
Discovery and Autopsy Report
Perry was found face down in his hot tub on October 28, by his assistant Iwamasa, who immediately alerted emergency services. Paramedics declared Perry dead at the scene. The subsequent autopsy revealed a significantly high level of ketamine, typical of general anesthesia for surgery, which was inconsistent with his most recent prescribed dose administered over a week prior. The coroner’s report concluded ketamine as the primary cause of death, ruling it accidental, while noting drowning and other medical conditions as contributing factors.
Ketamine's Controversial Use
Ketamine, a powerful anesthetic, has seen a rise in off-label use to treat conditions like depression and chronic pain. While legal, this practice has come under scrutiny due to potential for abuse and the drug’s potent effects. Estrada emphasized that the case was not about legitimate use of ketamine but rather a "gross abuse of professional trust and medical licensing."
Legal Consequences and Further Legal Action
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, one of the arrested doctors, faces numerous charges including distribution of ketamine and falsifying medical records after Perry's death. He pleaded not guilty and could face up to 120 years in prison if convicted. Jasveen Sangha, also arrested and dubbed the “ketamine queen,” is believed to have been a direct supplier of the drug to Perry through illicit channels. She could face a life sentence if convicted.
Broader Implications
This case highlights the potential dangers of celebrity and prescription drug misuse, drawing parallels to other high-profile overdose deaths. Authorities are sending a clear message about the legal risks faced by medical professionals who exploit their positions.
Ongoing Investigations and Community Response
The DEA and local authorities continue to investigate the broader network involved in this and similar cases, hoping to clamp down on prescription drug abuse. The medical community and addiction support groups are calling for stricter regulations and better oversight to prevent such tragedies in the future.
This incident not only reopens discussions around celebrity health management but also the ethical responsibilities and potential criminal implications for those in the medical profession.