The 5 People Charged In The Death Of Matthew Perry

The 5 People Charged In The Death Of Matthew Perry


August 16, 2024 | Jesse Singer

The 5 People Charged In The Death Of Matthew Perry


We All Lost A Friend 

It was October 28th, 2023 when the world lost Matthew Perry. In December it was announced that Perry's passing was due to "acute effects of ketamine", and in May of 2024 the LAPD began an investigation into the incident. Then on August 15th of that year U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada announced that 5 people had been charged in Perry's death. They are....

Dr. Salvador Plasencia

Perry had been receiving psychotherapy, however the levels of K in his system were much too high to have just been from the treatment. Prosecutors claimed that the doctors, including one Dr. Salvador Plasencia took advantage of Perry's addiction—providing him with large amounts of the substancecared only about their financial gains. Plasencia was also charged with falsifying records after the actor's death.

Salvador Plasencia's attorney Stefan Eric Sacks speaks with the press outside the Edward R. Roybal Center and Federal Building following a press conference announcing arrests in the death ofPatrick T Fallon, Getty Images

Advertisement

Dr. Mark Chavez

The other doctor charged, Dr. Mark Chavez, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy.

UNDATED FILE PHOTO: Matthew Perry. (photo by Newsmakers)Newsmakers, Getty Images

Advertisement

The Assistant

59-year old Kenneth Iwamasa was Perry's assistant and the person who found him face down in his hot tub back on October 28th, 2023. Iwamasa, who has no medical training, would also inject Perry—including on the day the Friends star died. A week prior to the announcement of the charges Iwamasa pleaded guilty to a count of conspiracy.

Matthew Perry looking sad at camera - 2009Featureflash Photo Agency , Shutterstock

Advertisement

The Dealer

Dealer Jasveen Sangha was charged with supplying the K that caused Perry's death.

Matthew Perry is talking and touching his face - 2003Featureflash Photo Agency , Shutterstock

Advertisement

The Distributor

54-year-old Eric Fleming was also charged, and he pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and one count of distribution resulting in death. Fleming got the K from Sangha, which he then distributed to Perry.

NBC's Annual Winter Press Tour All-Star Reception.Getty Images

Advertisement

 


READ MORE

The 1975, “It’s Not Living (If It’s Not With You)”
January 29, 2026 Jesse Singer

Bands Millennials Love That Most Baby Boomers Haven’t Even Heard Of

Boomers sometimes wonder how millennials could miss entire eras of classic rock. Millennials wonder the same thing—just in reverse. These bands have sold out tours, racked up billions of streams, and soundtracked entire phases of millennial life. And no, they don’t sound like the Beatles. That’s kind of the point.
A Bronx Tale scene, De Niro, Brancato
January 29, 2026 Jesse Singer

Lillo Brancato Jr. starred opposite Robert De Niro in A Bronx Tale. A decade later, he was involved in a police officer’s death and facing prison.

When A Bronx Tale was released in 1993, Lillo Brancato Jr. looked like a sure thing. He was young, charismatic, and held his own opposite Robert De Niro—something many actors far more experienced have struggled to do. Hollywood took notice, and the industry seemed ready to slot him into the next wave of serious leading men.
May 13, 2025 Mark Schilling

The Best Families On TV

The Bradys are still one of the best families on TV, but behind the scenes, “family” secrets threatened to have the show yanked off-air.
Donald OConnor Facts
July 24, 2024 Ivan Denomme

Dark Facts About Donald O’Connor, Hollywood’s Tragic Clown

At Donald O’Connor’s farewell party from Universal Studios, the executives gave him a disturbing parting “gift”. When he opened it, his blood boiled.
Relatedcelebs-Int
March 5, 2025 Laidley Bates

Celebrities You Didn't Know Were Related

Hollywood’s family tree is more intertwined than you’d ever imagine. From distant cousins to unexpected half-siblings, you may be surprised to discover who's related to who.


THE SHOT

Enjoying what you're reading? Join our newsletter to keep up with the latest scoops in entertainment.

Breaking celebrity gossip & scandals

Must-see movies & binge-worthy shows

The stories everyone will be talking about

Thank you!

Error, please try again.