The criminal proceedings related to the death of actor Matthew Perry are approaching their conclusion, with the last defendant scheduled for sentencing later this month. This renewed focus follows an emotional victim impact statement delivered by Perry’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, who accused the actor’s longtime assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, of neglecting his duty to protect Perry during his battle with addiction.
Morrison emphasized that the family had placed their trust in Iwamasa for many years, expecting him to prioritize Perry’s safety. Perry, renowned for his role as Chandler Bing on the television series Friends, passed away in October 2023 at the age of 54. The autopsy revealed that the primary cause of death was the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning noted as a secondary factor. Subsequently, five individuals pleaded guilty to charges related to supplying Perry with the drug.
Here is a detailed overview of the five people convicted or who admitted guilt in connection with Matthew Perry’s death:
Kenneth Iwamasa: Perry’s longtime live-in assistant confessed to procuring ketamine and administering injections, including in the days preceding the actor’s death. Prosecutors stated that Iwamasa gave Perry six to eight injections daily during his final days and later discovered him unresponsive in a hot tub. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death and is expected to be sentenced on May 27, marking the final sentencing in the case.
Jasveen Sangha: Dubbed the “Ketamine Queen” by prosecutors, Sangha admitted to selling the ketamine that Perry used on the day he died. She pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including distribution of ketamine resulting in death, and received a 15-year prison sentence—the longest in the case so far.
Erik Fleming: A former addiction counselor, Fleming acknowledged facilitating Perry’s connection to Sangha and delivering ketamine to the actor while inflating prices for profit. He pleaded guilty to distribution of ketamine resulting in death and was sentenced to two years in prison.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia: This Los Angeles-area physician admitted to illegally supplying ketamine to Perry after learning the actor sought more than his regular doctor would prescribe. Court documents included a text message from Plasencia stating, “I wonder how much this moron will pay?” He pleaded guilty to four counts of distribution of ketamine and was sentenced to two and a half years in prison, probation, and a fine.
Dr. Mark Chavez: Chavez, who operated a ketamine clinic, admitted to obtaining ketamine under false pretenses and supplying it to Plasencia. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and received eight months of home confinement along with supervised release.
With Iwamasa’s sentencing still pending, the legal proceedings connected to Matthew Perry’s death are expected to conclude in the coming days.
