In a major development following the tragic death of actor Matthew Perry, authorities have charged five individuals, including two doctors and Perry’s assistant, in connection with his fatal ketamine overdose. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada during a press conference on Thursday.
The investigation, which began after the Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office confirmed Perry’s cause of death as the “acute effects of ketamine,” has revealed a complex criminal network involved in supplying the drug to Perry and others. The beloved Friends star was found dead in his pool on October 28, 2023.
“This investigation exposed a widespread underground operation distributing large quantities of ketamine,” Estrada stated. “Among those charged are a live-in assistant, various intermediaries, two medical professionals, and a key supplier infamously known as ‘the Ketamine Queen.’ These individuals exploited Mr. Perry’s addiction, prioritizing profit over his safety.”
The charged individuals are accused of facilitating Perry’s access to ketamine, despite being aware of the risks. “They knew their actions were dangerous, yet they proceeded, driven by financial gain rather than concern for Mr. Perry’s well-being,” Estrada emphasized.
The probe into Perry’s death involved multiple agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Postal Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
DEA Administrator Anne Milgram revealed that Perry, who had been open about his struggles with addiction, had relapsed before his death. His ketamine use reportedly began as a treatment for anxiety and depression but spiraled out of control when he sought higher doses that his doctors refused to provide.
“As Matthew Perry’s addiction to intravenous ketamine intensified, he sought faster and cheaper means of obtaining the drug, ultimately turning to street dealers,” Milgram explained. “The five individuals charged today bear responsibility for his tragic death.”
The case shines a light on the dangers of addiction and the unscrupulous networks that prey on vulnerable individuals, with Perry’s death serving as a stark reminder of the deadly consequences.