Legal developments continue in the case surrounding the fatal ketamine overdose of actor Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on "Friends." As of August 2025, four individuals have pleaded guilty in connection with his death, which occurred on October 28, 2023, at his Pacific Palisades residence. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's report concluded that acute ketamine effects were the primary cause, with drowning and coronary artery disease as contributing factors. The autopsy found ketamine levels in Perry's system indicative of anesthesia, significantly exceeding therapeutic doses and not linked to his recent ketamine infusion treatments.
Among those who have entered guilty pleas is Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who admitted to supplying Perry with over 20 vials of ketamine for approximately $55,000, pleading guilty to four counts of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. Dr. Mark Chavez, who operated a ketamine clinic, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, acknowledging the diversion of drugs from his practice. Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's personal assistant, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death, admitting to administering injections to the actor. Jasveen Sangha, identified by prosecutors as the "Ketamine Queen," maintains her innocence and faces multiple charges, including one count of distribution resulting in death. Her trial, originally set for August 19, 2025, has been postponed to September 23, 2025, to allow her defense more time to review evidence. Sangha has been in federal custody since her 2024 arrest. The investigation, a collaborative effort by the Los Angeles Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, is uncovering a complex network of individuals allegedly involved in supplying the drug. Prosecutors contend that Perry sought additional ketamine from sources like Plasencia and Sangha when his regular doctor could not provide the quantities he desired. Court documents indicate that Perry's assistant and friend acted as intermediaries, purchasing substantial amounts of ketamine from Sangha shortly before the actor's death. Perry's passing has drawn attention to the increasing therapeutic use of ketamine for conditions like depression and anxiety, while also highlighting the severe dangers associated with its misuse and illicit distribution. The ongoing legal proceedings aim to establish accountability for those involved in the drug supply chain that tragically led to the loss of the beloved actor, whose legacy includes advocacy for addiction recovery.