In a shocking turn of events, it has been revealed that Matthew Perry, the beloved actor known for his role on “Friends,” tragically died from a ketamine overdose in October. Authorities have arrested five individuals, including two doctors, in connection with his death.
According to Martin Estrada, the U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, the suspects exploited Perry’s vulnerability due to his history with addiction. Among those charged is Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenny Iwamasa, who allegedly learned how to inject ketamine from Dr. Salvador Plasencia. Plasencia, along with his co-conspirators, supplied the drug to Iwamasa, who then injected Perry at his Pacific Palisades home. The drugs were procured through Jasveen Sangha, dubbed “The Ketamine Queen,” along with her partner Dr. Mark Chavez and middleman Eric Fleming.
Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor, emphasized how Perry’s celebrity status made him a target. “They have these entourages that are many times like leeches,” Rahmani explained, highlighting how people around Perry exploited his addiction for financial gain. Text messages from the defendants show a disturbing lack of empathy, with one message between the doctors reading, “I wonder how much this moron will pay” and “Let’s find out.”
The indictment reveals that Perry was charged exorbitant amounts for the drugs, including $50,000 for 20 vials of ketamine at one point. On the day of Perry’s death, Iwamasa, who had no medical training, admitted to administering multiple injections. He has since pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.
This tragic case underscores the dangers of addiction and the predatory behavior that can surround those struggling with it. Perry’s death serves as a painful reminder of the importance of proper medical care and the devastating consequences when that care is exploited.
