Five Charged in Matthew Perry’s Death, Including His Doctor and Assistant

Five individuals have been arrested and face charges related to the death of Matthew Perry, known for his role in the hit series “Friends.” The U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Martin Estrada, revealed during a press conference that the charges include those against Perry’s doctor, Salvador Plasencia, and his live-in assistant, Kenny Iwamasa.

Estrada stated that the actions of the defendants were misguided and posed serious risks. He emphasized that ketamine should only be administered by qualified medical professionals, who must monitor the patient closely during treatment. Unfortunately, this protocol was not followed in Perry’s case.

Furthermore, Estrada indicated that following Perry’s death, those involved attempted to obscure their actions. He cautioned others engaging in similar behaviors, stating, “You are playing roulette with other people’s lives, just like these five defendants here did to Mr. Perry.”

In May, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed they were conducting a joint investigation into the circumstances surrounding Perry’s death. This inquiry included assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Their statement highlighted the significance of the Medical Examiner’s findings in guiding the ongoing investigation.

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office released Perry’s autopsy report in December, more than a month posthumously. The autopsy ruled his death an accident, attributing it to “the acute effects of ketamine.” Contributing factors also included drowning, coronary artery disease, and the impact of buprenorphine, an opioid-like medication.

Buprenorphine is primarily used in treating opioid addiction and managing pain. According to the autopsy, there were no indications of traumatic injury, and foul play was not suspected in Perry’s passing.

Investigations revealed that the levels of ketamine present in Perry’s system were significant, ranging up to 3,540 nanograms per milliliter. For comparison, levels typically required for general anesthesia fall between 1,000 and 6,000 ng/ml.

Post-autopsy analysis showed no illicit substances like methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, or fentanyl in Perry’s system at the time of his death. Furthermore, it was reported that Perry had been sober for 19 months prior.

Perry had undergone ketamine infusion therapy to manage depression and anxiety. However, the report clarified that the ketamine detected after his death could not be solely attributed to this treatment, as the drug’s half-life is relatively short, averaging 3 to 4 hours.

While the exact method of ketamine intake remains uncertain, the autopsy noted that the dangerously high levels of ketamine found could lead to severe cardiovascular and respiratory complications. Drowning was cited as a factor due to the likelihood of him losing consciousness and submerging in the pool. In addition, Perry’s existing coronary artery disease could have further exacerbated the situation.

On October 28, 2023, emergency responders from the Los Angeles Fire Department arrived at Perry’s home in Pacific Palisades around 4:07 p.m. They discovered an adult male unconscious in a jacuzzi. Unfortunately, firefighters pronounced Perry dead shortly after arrival.

The initial medical assessment indicated that he had already passed away before first responders could provide assistance. Thus, the recent developments surrounding his death underline the grave circumstances that led to this tragedy and the serious implications for those involved.

Source: USA TODAY