On the morning of August 15, 2024, five individuals were arrested in connection with the death of actor Matthew Perry. Among those arrested was a doctor who had allegedly sent a concerning text about the “Friends” star prior to his death, a revelation that has shocked fans.
The arrests are part of a larger narcotics investigation that has linked Perry’s death to the effects of ketamine. During a press conference, the U.S. Department of Justice disclosed that their investigation had uncovered a “broad underground criminal network” that exploited Perry by supplying him with the dangerous drug.
The suspects arrested include Kenny Iwamawa, Dr. Mark Chavez, Jasveen Sangha, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, and Erik Fleming.
The Connection Between the Suspects and Matthew Perry
In 2023, reports indicated that Perry had been living in a Beverly Hills rental apartment with his assistant, Kenny Iwamawa, while his Pacific Palisades home was under renovation. Perry, who was paying $49,000 in monthly rent, had lived with Iwamawa, who had managed his affairs for over 25 years, for about a year. Iwamawa, 59, was reportedly the person who discovered Perry’s body in his hot tub on October 28, 2023.
Investigations revealed that Iwamawa had been administering ketamine to Perry without proper training, leading to his arrest. Dr. Chavez, a licensed medical professional who had previously operated a ketamine clinic, is accused of assisting in acquiring the ketamine. Jasveen Sangha, known as “The Ketamine Queen,” is accused of selling Perry the fatal dose. Iwamawa allegedly collaborated with Chavez and Sangha to procure the drug.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, another licensed doctor, is accused of providing Perry with approximately 20 vials of ketamine. Meanwhile, Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of Perry’s and a “broker,” has already pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution of ketamine resulting in Perry’s death.
Incriminating Text Messages
After the arrests were made public, details of incriminating text messages exchanged between the suspects came to light, leaving netizens dismayed. One text, in particular, sent by Dr. Plasencia to Dr. Chavez, was especially upsetting. The message, shared on social media, led to an outpouring of grief and anger from fans.
Social media reactions were swift and emotional. One user commented, “So the people who he thought and trusted were his ‘friends’ were not his ‘friends’ at all, so so sad.” Another expressed sadness over the situation, saying, “What a sad story of a man that had so much to live for.”
The text message in question was sent by Dr. Plasencia to Dr. Chavez as they discussed the price they could charge Perry for ketamine. In the exchange, Plasencia allegedly wrote, “I wonder how much this moron will pay,” followed by, “Let’s find out.”
The Suspects’ Attempt to Cover Up
According to the indictment, Iwamawa had been awaiting a ketamine delivery from Sangha in the days leading up to Perry’s death. Four days before the tragedy, Fleming allegedly informed Iwamawa that the substance was “on its way to our girl,” referring to Sangha. When news of Perry’s death broke, Sangha reportedly urged Fleming to “Delete all our messages.”
Authorities revealed that the suspects used code words like “cans,” “bots,” and “Dr. Pepper” to refer to ketamine, trying to conceal their dealings. Plasencia was reportedly aware of the risks Perry was taking by using the drug.
A Warning Incident Before Perry’s Death
Reports indicate that Dr. Plasencia was aware of the danger Perry was in just weeks before his death. During a press conference, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada disclosed an incident that occurred 16 days before Perry passed away. On that occasion, after injecting Perry with ketamine, Plasencia noticed the actor “freeze up,” with his blood pressure spiking. Concerned, Plasencia advised Iwamawa, “Let’s not do that again.”
The investigation into Matthew Perry’s death remains ongoing, with more details expected to emerge as authorities continue to unravel the events leading up to the tragedy.
