One of the doctors charged in connection to Matthew Perry’s death, Mark Chavez, accepted a plea deal and could potentially face up to 10 years in prison upon sentencing. Chavez admitted to selling ketamine to Dr. Salvador Placensia, who allegedly gave the drugs to Perry’s longtime assistant, Kenneth “Kenny” Iwamasa. Iwamasa confessed to being the person who administered the fatal dose of ketamine to Perry on October 28, 2023.
Despite accepting the plea deal, Chavez remains free on a $50,000 unsecured bond and is required to give up his passport and medical license. His attorney, Matt Binninger, stated that Chavez is determined to right the wrong that led to Perry’s death and is cooperating fully in the situation. Binninger emphasized Chavez’s remorse for what happened to the universally beloved Perry, promising that his client will continue to do the right thing and cooperate with authorities moving forward.
Matthew Perry had undergone ketamine therapy for years to treat his depression, describing the effects of the drug as making him feel like he was “hit in the head with a giant happy shovel” in his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing.” Perry ultimately died from the acute effects of ketamine use, which resulted in his drowning. The tragic outcome of his ketamine therapy has led to legal action against those involved in providing the drug to him.
In addition to Mark Chavez and Kenneth Iwamasa, authorities also arrested Dr. Salvador Placensia, friend Erik Fleming, and Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” in connection to Matthew Perry’s death. They were charged with various offenses related to the distribution of ketamine, including conspiracy, distribution resulting in death, possession with intent to distribute, and falsifying records. US Attorney Martin Estrada accused the defendants of taking advantage of Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves and prioritizing profit over his wellbeing.
Despite the legal consequences they now face, the defendants allegedly involved in Matthew Perry’s death were accused of risking great danger to him and prioritizing their own financial gains. US Attorney Martin Estrada condemned their actions during a press conference following their arrests, stating that they knew what they were doing was wrong and were more interested in profiting off Perry than caring for his wellbeing. The ongoing legal proceedings shed light on the dangers of substance abuse and the illegal distribution of drugs, particularly in cases where addiction issues are exploited for financial gain.
Mark Chavez’s guilty plea and the arrest of additional parties involved in Matthew Perry’s death highlight the complexities of addiction, substance abuse, and the ethical responsibilities of medical professionals. The tragic outcome of Perry’s ketamine therapy underscores the importance of proper medical oversight, ethical conduct, and the dangers associated with substance misuse. As legal proceedings continue, the case serves as a reminder of the need for accountability, transparency, and respect for the well-being of individuals struggling with addiction. Ultimately, the hope is that justice will be served, lessons will be learned, and steps will be taken to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
