Matthew Perry ketamine death case explained: 5 people involved, their roles, and what’s happened so far

On October 23, 2023, Friends star Matthew Perry was found dead at his home. Nearly a year ago, federal authorities announced that five individuals had been charged in connection with the actor’s death, which was linked to a lethal dose of ketamine. The case has since involved multiple plea agreements and ongoing court proceedings for those charged.

All five defendants have now agreed to plead guilty, including Perry’s personal assistant, an acquaintance, and two doctors. On Monday, Jasveen Sangha, described by prosecutors as the ‘Ketamine Queen, became the fifth and final defendant to reach a deal, avoiding trial. Here’s what’s happened so far in the case, with statements made to the Associated Press.

Sangha admitted in her plea agreement that she sold Perry the lethal dose of ketamine days before his death on October 23, 2023.

The 42-year-old, born in Britain, raised in the US., and holding dual citizenship, showcased a lavish lifestyle on social media before her indictment. She posted images from Spain, Japan, Dubai, and her homes in London and Los Angeles. Prosecutors say her lifestyle was funded by a drug operation she ran for at least five years from her Los Angeles apartment.

Authorities allege she marketed herself as a “celebrity drug dealer with high-quality goods” and was widely known as the “Ketamine Queen,” a title her lawyers call a “media-friendly” label.

Sangha grew up in Calabasas, California, attended the University of California, Irvine (graduated 2005), and later earned an MBA from Hult International Business School in London. She was connected to Perry through co-defendant Erik Fleming.

A March 2024 raid of her apartment uncovered large amounts of cocaine, methamphetamine, and ketamine. She was arrested, released on bond, and re-indicted in August 2024 on charges linked to Perry’s death, remaining in custody without bail since then.

Charges: Three counts of ketamine distribution, one count resulting in death or serious injury, and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises.

Sentencing: She could face up to 45 years in prison; a judge will set her sentence after her plea change.

Statement: Sangha’s lawyer, Mark Geragos, said she is “taking responsibility for her actions.”

Perry’s live-in personal assistant, Iwamasa, played a central role in the actor’s ketamine use, personally administering injections and acting as a drug messenger. He discovered Perry dead in his Pacific Palisades hot tub after giving him several doses.

He was the first defendant to reach a plea deal, agreeing to cooperate as a key witness. Iwamasa admitted to injecting Perry six to eight times per day in his final days and coordinating with other defendants, including Dr. Salvador Plasencia.

Charge: One count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.

Sentencing: Scheduled for November 19; he could face up to 15 years in prison.

Statement: Attorneys have not commented, as noted by the Associated Press.

Plasencia, a 43-year-old Los Angeles-area doctor, admitted to selling Perry 20 vials of ketamine in the weeks before his death. Court records show he texted a colleague, “I wonder how much this moron will pay?” after learning Perry wanted ketamine.

He personally injected Perry with some doses and left the remainder for Iwamasa, even after Perry’s blood pressure spiked. Plasencia, a UCLA medical graduate, had no prior disciplinary actions. He has been free on bond and plans to voluntarily surrender his medical license.

Charges: Four counts of ketamine distribution.

Sentencing: Scheduled for December 3; could face up to 40 years in prison.

Statement: His lawyers say he is “profoundly remorseful for the treatment decisions he made while providing ketamine to Matthew Perry.”

 Fleming, 55, was an acquaintance of Perry’s who introduced him to Sangha’s ketamine. Prosecutors say Fleming delivered 50 vials to Perry, including 25 sold for $6,000 just four days before the actor’s death.

 Charge: One count of ketamine distribution resulting in death.

 Sentencing: Scheduled for November 12; could face up to 25 years.

 Statement: Lawyers have no comment as yet.

 Chavez, 55, ran a ketamine clinic in San Diego and supplied the doses that Plasencia sold to Perry, obtaining the drugs from a distributor under false pretenses. He has surrendered his medical license.

Charge: One count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.

Sentencing: Scheduled for September 17; could face 10 years.

Statement: His lawyer says he is “incredibly remorseful” and “trying to do everything in his power to right the wrong.”

With quotes, statements from Associated Press