Why are arrests connected to Matthew Perry’s death?

Matthew Perry’s death shocked fans around the world and sparked a months-long investigation.

beloved one friends On October 28, 2023, the actor died due to an accidental drug overdose. Drugs used to treat opioid use disorders.

The Los Angeles Police Department is conducting a formal investigation into how the actor obtained ketamine after the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner concluded an investigation in December 2023, six months after his death.

On August 15, five people – including two doctors and Perry’s personal live-in assistant – were arrested on charges related to Perry’s death.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced that Jasveen Sangha—dubbed the “Ketamine Queen” by U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada—and Salvador Plascencia Doctors are currently facing charges in the case. Perry aide Kenneth Iwamasa was also charged and has pleaded guilty. Eric Fleming and Dr. Mark Chavez, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

“These defendants exploited Mr. Perry’s drug addiction for personal gain,” Estrada said. “Ultimately, these defendants were more interested in profiting from Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being.”

Here’s the full timeline of the investigation into Matthew Perry’s death, and why five people are on trial as a result.

October 28, 2023: Matthew Perry dies of accidental drug overdose

Perry was found dead at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 54.

“We are devastated by the loss of our beloved son and brother,” his family said in an exclusive statement to People. “Matthew brought so much joy to the world as an actor and friend. You all. It meant so much to him and we appreciate the outpouring of love.”

A spokesman for the Los Angeles Police Department told People magazine that first responders arrived at the scene around 4:07 p.m. and found an “adult male patient” dead. “The patient was discovered by a bystander who relocated the victim in a free-standing jacuzzi with his head above the water.”

December 2023: Matthew Perry’s cause of death determined

Two months later, autopsy results obtained by People revealed Perry’s cause of death. this 17 again The actor died from the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects also cited as contributing factors. The death was ruled accidental.

The autopsy said Perry “reportedly remained clean for 19 months” and was receiving ketamine infusions, his most recent treatment “a week and a half” before his death.

However, his final treatment did not contribute to his death, as the coroner noted “the half-life of ketamine is 3 to 4 hours, or less.”

January 9, 2024: Matthew Perry death investigation officially concluded

Weeks later, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to People magazine that they would no longer be investigating Perry’s death. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner and Coroner also confirmed that the case was “closed.”

May 21, 2024: Los Angeles Police Department investigating circumstances of Matthew Perry’s death

Although the LAPD announced in January that it was closing its investigation, just four months later a new investigation came to light in which they worked with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s California Division to determine the source of the ketamine that caused Perry’s death.

At the time, authorities conducted multiple interviews but had not yet made any arrests.

June 25, 2024: “Multiple people” should be charged in Matthew Perry’s death, law enforcement sources tell People

While the investigation is ongoing, law enforcement sources tell PEOPLE that it is “close to conclusion” and police believe “multiple people” should be charged.

However, the U.S. Attorney’s Office will make the final decision on whether to file charges, the source added. On the same day, the office responded “no comment” to People magazine’s request for comment.

August 15, 2024: Matthew Perry’s personal assistant and doctor arrested in connection with death

On August 15, five people were arrested in connection with Perry’s death, including his personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. The two defendants originally named in the case were Jaswin Sanga, whom U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada called the “Ketamine Queen” and Dr. Salvador Placencia.

Sangha was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute ketamine and five counts of distribution of ketamine.

Plasencia, a licensed physician, was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, while the other three defendants — Dr. Imasa, Eric Fleming and Dr. Mark Chavez — were charged separately.

Fleming pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death, while Chavez will plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, according to the Justice Department.

According to the Justice Department, Yanzheng pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death after he injected Perry with ketamine “on multiple occasions” and “without medical training,” including on the day of Perry’s death.

The former aide and Fleming could face up to 15 to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty, while Chavez could face up to 10 years in prison. If convicted, Sanga faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a possible life sentence.

Estrada claimed that the five defendants “used” Perry for their own “interests.”

Plasencia allegedly contacted Chavez, who is also a doctor and previously ran a ketamine clinic, to obtain the substance and sell it to Perry, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Plasencia allegedly discussed charging Perry for ketamine in text messages to Chavez, saying, “I wonder how much this idiot is going to pay” and “Let’s [sic] Find out,” the Justice Department claimed.

The attorneys also claim the defendants knew their choices could have a negative impact on Perry’s health. Estrada claimed prosecutors discovered text messages in which Sanga wrote: “If I didn’t have the opportunity to make money doing this, I wouldn’t do it.”

Estrada claimed that after Perry’s death, the defendants tried to “cover up” their involvement, adding that Sanga allegedly wrote in a text message to another defendant: “Delete all our messages.”

August 16, 2024: Matthew Perry’s stepfather Keith Morrison expects ‘justice’

A day after federal investigators announced the charges, Perry’s stepfather, Keith Morrison, thanked law enforcement for the investigation and expressed hope that “justice” would be served.

“We were, and still are, heartbroken by Matthew’s death, but it helps to know that law enforcement is taking his case very seriously,” date line The reporter said in a statement released by the Morrison family to People magazine. “We expect justice to be served and we thank the multiple agencies investigating Matthew’s death for their excellent work.”

Morrison continued: “We hope unethical suppliers of dangerous drugs understand this.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, call the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP