Five People Charged in Connection with Matthew Perry’s Death from a Ketamine Overdose

On October 24, 2023, beloved actor Matthew Perry tragically passed away from a ketamine overdose. After a thorough investigation, five individuals have been charged in connection with his death.

Dr. Kevin Plasencia

Dr. Plasencia, a Santa Monica area doctor, faces one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, seven counts of distribution of ketamine, and two counts of altering and falsifying documents. Known as “Dr. P,” he allegedly used encrypted messaging applications and coded language to discuss drug deals, referring to ketamine as “Dr. Pepper,” “cans,” and “bots.” He is accused of facilitating the transfer of drugs to Perry’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa.

Possible sentence: Up to 10 years imprisonment for each ketamine-related count and 20 years for each records falsification count.

Shabnam Sangha

Sangha is a drug dealer known as the “Ketamine Queen.” She faces one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute ketamine, and five counts of distribution of ketamine. Prosecutors allege that the ketamine she distributed on October 24, 2023, caused Perry’s death days later.

Possible sentence: 10 years to life in prison.

Kenneth Iwamasa

Iwamasa was Perry’s live-in personal assistant who often communicated in coded language with others charged. He has admitted to administering several ketamine injections to Perry, including on the day he died. He has pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.

Possible sentence: 15 years in prison.

Dr. Julian Chavez

Chavez, a doctor from San Diego, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine. He sold ketamine to Dr. Plasencia, who then sold it to Iwamasa.

Possible sentence: 10 years in prison.

Rodney Fleming

Fleming was a friend of Perry’s who communicated with Iwamasa to sell drugs to him. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. He delivered 50 vials of ketamine for Perry’s use, including 25 handed over four days before his death.

Possible sentence: 25 years in prison.

Conclusion

These charges are a reminder of the dangers of drug addiction and the illegal drug trade. The investigation into Perry’s death highlights the lengths that individuals will go to profit from the misfortune of others. The five charged individuals face serious consequences for their actions, and their cases will be closely watched as they proceed through the legal system.