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

July 24, 2026 Jack Hawkins

How The Name Of The Game Star Gene Barry Reinvented Himself Across Television Eras

Gene Barry moved effortlessly from Bat Masterson and Burke’s Law to The Name of the Game, Broadway, and late-career revivals, continually reinventing his sophisticated screen image across changing television eras.
Neill, Mazzello, & Richards In 'Jurassic Park'
July 24, 2026 Sammy Tran

What Happened To The Kids From Jurassic Park?

Ariana Richards and Joseph Mazzello gave Jurassic Park its human terror, wonder, and heart. Decades later, their lives moved in very different directions.
baby boomers on dance floor
July 24, 2026 Jesse Singer

Songs That Send Baby Boomers Running To The Dance Floor—And Millennials Running For The Exits

Play one of these songs at a party full of Baby Boomers and you'll barely have time to finish your drink before the dance floor is packed. But if you're standing near an exit, you might want to take a few steps to the side to make room for the wave of Millennials heading in your direction also.
THE STREETS OF SAN FRANCISCO - "The Stamp of Death" - 8/29/73 Karl Malden / Getty Images
July 24, 2026 Miles Rook

Why The Streets Of San Francisco Made Karl Malden A Household Name All Over Again

Then The Streets of San Francisco put his weathered face, rumpled authority, and unmistakable voice into American living rooms every week. As Lieutenant Mike Stone, Malden transformed a respected character actor into one of television’s most familiar and trusted stars.
Matt Le Blanc as Joey Tribbiani, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller
July 24, 2026 Miles Rook

Sitcom Apartments From Classic TV That Fans Can Still Picture Instantly. Would You Recognize Them Without The Name?

A purple wall, a sunken living room, or one familiar couch can instantly bring back years of jokes, romances, and ridiculous arguments. These sitcom apartments became so recognizable that devoted fans could probably identify them before a single character walked through the door
Screenshot from The Mary Tyler Moore Show (1970)
July 24, 2026 Miles Rook

Classic Television Workplaces That Became Almost As Famous As The Characters

From crowded newsrooms and chaotic hospitals to neighborhood bars and dreary offices, these sets became as familiar as the characters who clocked in every week. Step inside the classic TV workplaces that turned ordinary jobs into unforgettable pieces of pop culture.


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.