In a significant development in the Matthew Perry death case, one of the doctors involved in illegally supplying the actor with ketamine has pleaded guilty. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, 43, is facing up to 40 years in prison for his role in the drug distribution that led to the Friends star’s tragic overdose in 2023.
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Dr. Plasencia Admits to Supplying Ketamine
Dr. Plasencia has pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing ketamine to Matthew Perry, just weeks before the actor’s death. According to court documents, the doctor provided Perry and his assistant with:
- 20 vials of ketamine
- Ketamine lozenges and syringes
- Services including in-person injections
The drugs were reportedly sold for $4,500 between September 30 and October 12, 2023. In a troubling admission, Plasencia even visited Perry’s home twice to inject the drug himself and instructed Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, on how to administer it.
Plasencia’s attorney, Karen Goldstein, told Rolling Stone:
“Dr. Plasencia is profoundly remorseful for the treatment decisions he made while providing ketamine to Matthew Perry… He is fully accepting responsibility by pleading guilty to drug distribution.”
Previous Guilty Pleas and Ongoing Investigation
This case is part of a wider investigation into the network of individuals who provided Perry with illegal substances leading up to his death.
- In October 2024, Dr. Mark Chavez pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute ketamine to Perry. He sourced the drug and passed it on to Plasencia.
- Chavez reportedly referred to Perry as a “moron” willing to pay any price for drugs.
- In August, Perry’s live-in assistant and another individual also pleaded guilty to conspiracy counts related to the case.
“Ketamine Queen” Also Charged
Another key figure in the case, Jasveen Sangha — allegedly known as the “Ketamine Queen” — has been accused of selling the fatal dose of ketamine to Perry. She has pleaded not guilty and awaits trial.
The Death of Matthew Perry: What Happened?
Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom F.R.I.E.N.D.S (1994–2004), was found unresponsive in his hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home in Los Angeles on October 28, 2023. He was 54 years old.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled the cause of death as acute ketamine intoxication, with the anesthetic drug identified as the primary factor. Perry had a long and public history of substance abuse and mental health struggles, dating back to his time on Friends. His sudden passing sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry and among fans worldwide.
Conclusion: Justice in Progress for a Tragic Loss
The guilty plea by Dr. Plasencia marks a crucial step in holding individuals accountable for Matthew Perry’s untimely death. As investigations continue and more suspects face trial, fans hope for justice and closure for one of TV’s most beloved stars.
Perry’s legacy, especially his openness about addiction and mental health, continues to resonate, even in the wake of his tragic passing.