A grand jury has indicted two individuals in connection with the death of Matthew Perry, the beloved actor known for his role as Chandler Bing in the iconic sitcom "Friends". The indictment, filed in U.S. District Court, accuses Jasveen Sangha and Salvador Plascencia of knowingly distributing ketamine, a substance implicated in Perry's untimely demise.
The legal document also names three co-conspirators: Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's live-in personal assistant; Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of the actor; and Dr. Mark Chavez, a physician. While the victim is referred to only by the initials "M.P.", the circumstances described align with Perry's death on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54.
The Los Angeles Police Department, established in 1869, is collaborating with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the U.S. Postal Service in this investigation. The DEA, founded in 1973, and the Postal Inspection Service, one of the nation's oldest law enforcement agencies, are working to trace the source of the ketamine involved in Perry's death.
In December 2023, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner, an institution dating back to 1850, released its findings. The report concluded that Perry's death resulted from the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine also contributing factors. The medical examiner ruled the death accidental, finding no evidence of foul play or fatal trauma.
Ketamine, first synthesized in 1962, has various medical applications, including use as an anesthetic and in infusion therapy for depression and chronic pain. Perry had undergone ketamine infusion therapy, but his last treatment occurred more than a week before his death. The high levels of ketamine found in his system could not be attributed to this medical treatment.
Throughout his career, Perry struggled with addiction, a condition recognized as a chronic disease by many medical organizations. In his 2022 memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing", Perry candidly discussed his battles with substance abuse and his numerous attempts at recovery.
"I've probably spent $9 million or something trying to get sober."
This case highlights the ongoing challenges of substance abuse and the complex legal and medical issues surrounding drug distribution and use. As the investigation continues, it serves as a somber reminder of the far-reaching impacts of addiction, even among those who seem to have it all.