- The incriminating text conversation mocking Matthew Perry before his death saddened netizens.
- Months after the actor's passing, five people linked to him were arrested as suspects.
- Weeks before his demise, one of the doctors who administered ketamine to him saw him having an adverse reaction.
Five suspects were arrested on the morning of August 15, 2024, in connection with Matthew Perry's death. Among them is a doctor who allegedly sent an incriminating text about the "Friends" actor before his death. The message received a negative response from fans.
Matthew Perry posing in an undated photo | Source: Getty Images
The arrests were made as part of a narcotics investigation into Perry's passing. During a press conference on the same day, the US Department of Justice revealed that investigations into the star's death uncovered a "broad underground criminal network."
They said the criminals "took advantage" of Perry by selling him ketamine. The suspects and their connections to the late actor are outlined below.
Matthew Perry at Victoria's Secret Phi Beta PINK party on October 18, 2007, in Beverly Hills, Califonia | Source: Getty Images
Suspects Who Were Arrested in Connection to Perry's Death
Kenny Iwamasa
In 2023, reports indicated that Perry stayed with his assistant in a Beverly Hills rental apartment before his death. The actor paid $49,000 monthly while his Pacific Palisades home was renovated. Kenny Iwamasa, 59, Perry's assistant, lived with him there for a year.
Matthew Perry during the "Men in Black II" premiere in Westwood, California, on June 26, 2002 | Source: Getty Images
Sources revealed that Iwamasa had managed Perry's affairs for over 25 years. It is believed that Iwamasa might have been the one who discovered the star's body in his hot tub on October 28, 2023.
Jasveen Sangha
Jasveen Sangha is accused of selling Perry the dose of ketamine that ended his life. She is known as "The Ketamine Queen."
Dr. Salvador Plasencia
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a licensed medical doctor, is accused of distributing around 20 vials of ketamine to the late actor.
Dr. Mark Chavez
Dr. Mark Chavez, another licensed medical doctor, reportedly assisted in obtaining the ketamine. He previously operated a ketamine clinic.
Erik Fleming
Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of Perry's and a "broker," has already pleaded guilty. He pleaded to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death.
Matthew Perry at the Summer TCA Party on August 10, 2015, in West Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
It is believed that Iwamasa collaborated with Chavez and Sangha to get the ketamine. Reports suggest that Iwamasa might have administered the substance to Perry despite lacking medical training.
Netizens expressed their dismay when they learned about the eight-word text message that Plasencia sent to Chavez while discussing Perry.
Jennifer Aniston and Matthew Perry at the NBC Fall Preview circa 1995 at the Lincoln Center in New York | Source: Getty Images
Netizens Saddened by Incriminating Text
Social media users who read the text messages exchanged between the two doctors involved in Perry's death were vocal about their feelings. Responding to a publication's Facebook post on the matter, one person included a crying emoticon in their message.
The person wrote, "So the people who he thought and trusted were his 'friends' were not his 'friends' at all, so so sad." Another added, "What a sad story of a man that had so much to live for."
Matthew Perry and Courteney Cox Arquette during a party celebrating "Daisy Does America's" premiere in West Hollywood, California, on November 29, 2005 | Source: Getty Images
A Facebook user, touched by how Perry was deceived, said, "This is just so sad." Another reader shared that the news left them "Heartbroken." The ominous text message sent from Plasencia to Chavez was an effort to get ketamine to sell it to Perry.
Mathew Perry plays The Match Game at The UCB Theatre on November 9, 2007, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
The Incriminating Conversation
The US Attorney's Office said Plasencia sent the text after learning of Perry's interest in acquiring the substance. In 2023, Plasencia and Chavez texted each other while discussing the price they would charge the late star for the drug.
Matthew Perry at the Summer TCA Tour on July 24, 2012, in Beverly Hills, California | Source: Getty Images
While Perry struggled with his addiction to the substance, Plasencia allegedly wrote to Chavez, "I wonder how much this moron will pay." He reportedly continued, "Lets [sic] find out."
Matthew Perry seen on October 27, 2016, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
According to the indictment, during the months leading up to Perry's death, Iwamasa waited for ketamine to arrive from Sangha. Four days before Perry's death, Fleming allegedly informed Iwamasa that the substance was "on its way to our girl."
The person he referred to as "our girl" was reportedly Sangha. When news of Perry's death broke, Sangha allegedly messaged Fleming, urging him to "Delete all our messages."
Authorities revealed that the five suspects tried covering up their dealings by using code words like "cans," "bots," and "Dr. Pepper" to refer to ketamine. Plasencia was reportedly aware that Perry was risking his life.
Perry Froze up Once While Taking the Substance
Reports show that Plasencia knew Matthew Perry's life was in danger due to an incident 16 days before his death. During a press conference, Martin Estrada, a US Attorney, noted that on one occasion, when Plasencia injected Perry with the drug, something concerning happened.
After injecting the late actor, Plasencia saw him "freeze up, and his blood pressure spiked." Estrada revealed that the doctor appeared concerned and advised Iwamasa, "Let's not do that again."
