Dr. Salvador Plasencia, accused of supplying ketamine to actor Matthew Perry, pleaded guilty on July 23, 2025, in Los Angeles to four counts of illegal distribution of the anesthetic, linked to the “Friends” star’s death in October 2023. Perry, aged 54, died from the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning and coronary artery disease as contributing factors, per the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office. Plasencia, operating from a Calabasas clinic, provided 20 vials of ketamine to Perry and his assistant between September and October 2023, without legitimate medical purpose. Facing up to 40 years in prison, with sentencing set for December 3, he plans to surrender his medical license. The case exposes a network of suppliers profiting from Perry’s addiction, as he sought ketamine beyond prescribed depression treatments.
The guilty plea shocked fans of Perry, known for playing Chandler Bing, and sparked discussions about ketamine misuse. Plasencia is one of five defendants, with four admitting guilt, while investigations continue against alleged trafficker Jasveen Sangha. Below are key case details.
- Plasencia: Guilty on four counts of ketamine distribution.
- Perry: Died October 28, 2023, from ketamine overdose.
- Sentencing: Up to 40 years, scheduled for December 3.
- Network: Five defendants, including assistant and another doctor.
The confession marks a significant step in the probe into Perry’s death.
Details of Plasencia’s guilty plea
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, dubbed “Dr. P,” admitted to supplying 20 vials of ketamine, totaling 100 mg, along with pills and syringes, from September 30 to October 12, 2023. Introduced to Perry by a patient who described the actor as a “high-profile” individual willing to pay thousands, Plasencia saw an opportunity for profit.
He visited Perry’s Pacific Palisades home twice to administer injections and once applied ketamine in a Long Beach parking lot. He also trained Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, to inject the drug, despite knowing Iwamasa lacked medical training. On October 12, Perry suffered a severe reaction, with a spike in blood pressure, but Plasencia left additional vials with Iwamasa.
- Supply: 20 ketamine vials and pills provided in one month.
- Locations: Perry’s home and a Long Beach parking lot.
- Incident: Perry had a hypertensive crisis on October 12.
- Assistant: Iwamasa injected ketamine without medical training.
Plasencia’s actions reveal a reckless disregard for patient safety.
Circumstances of Perry’s death
Matthew Perry, beloved for his role in “Friends,” was found dead on October 28, 2023, floating in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades residence. The coroner’s report cited acute ketamine effects as the primary cause, with drowning and buprenorphine as secondary factors.
Perry legally used ketamine for depression treatment but sought additional doses illicitly. He paid approximately $55,000 to Plasencia and other suppliers in a single month, including $12,000 for one visit. Text messages uncovered by investigators showed Plasencia referring to Perry as a “moron” while aiming to become his primary supplier.
Perry’s struggle with addiction, detailed in his 2022 memoir “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” began in the 1990s. His death prompted tributes from co-stars like Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox, highlighting his global impact.
The criminal network involved
Five individuals face charges in Perry’s death: Plasencia, Kenneth Iwamasa (assistant), Mark Chavez (doctor), Erik Fleming (intermediary), and Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen.” All but Sangha have pleaded guilty.
Iwamasa admitted to injecting ketamine into Perry on the day of his death. Chavez illegally sourced ketamine from a clinic to supply Plasencia. Fleming delivered 50 vials, including 25 just four days before Perry’s death. Sangha, accused of providing the fatal dose, faces trial in August 2025 and could receive life in prison.
- Defendants: Five charged, four confessed guilt.
- Sangha: Faces trial for conspiracy and drug charges.
- Iwamasa: Injected ketamine on October 28, 2023.
- Payments: Perry spent $55,000 in one month.
The network exploited Perry’s fame and addiction for financial gain.
Medical misconduct exposed
Operating out of Malibu Canyon Urgent Care, Plasencia used his DEA license to obtain ketamine but acted outside medical standards. He admitted the doses supplied lacked legitimate medical purpose, breaching ethical guidelines.
After Perry’s hypertensive crisis on October 12, Plasencia told Iwamasa, “Let’s not do that again,” yet left more ketamine, aware of the risks. He also attempted to open a ketamine clinic during this period, eyeing the drug’s growing market. His attorneys expressed regret, stating he failed to protect a vulnerable patient.
- Misconduct: Supplied ketamine without medical justification.
- Crisis: Perry’s blood pressure spiked on October 12.
- License: Plasencia to surrender medical authorization.
- Ethics: Violated standards, prioritizing profit.
The case underscores the dangers of medical negligence in addiction cases.
Public and social media reaction
Perry’s death and the subsequent guilty pleas sparked widespread grief and outrage. Fans flooded social media with tributes, using hashtags like #JusticeForMatthewPerry, which trended globally. Comments condemned the exploitation of Perry’s addiction, with posts like “They profited off his pain.”
Media outlets like NBC and CNN covered the case extensively, focusing on the criminal network. The tragedy fueled discussions on ketamine’s 35% rise in recreational use in the U.S. from 2020 to 2023, raising concerns about unregulated access to controlled substances.
- Reaction: Fans demand justice on social media.
- Hashtag: #JusticeForMatthewPerry gained traction.
- Ketamine: Recreational use up 35% in three years.
- Debate: Calls for stricter drug regulation intensified.
The case has become a cautionary tale about addiction and oversight.
Upcoming legal proceedings
Plasencia remains free on a $100,000 bond until his December 3 sentencing. Facing up to 40 years, his cooperation with prosecutors may reduce his penalty. Iwamasa and Chavez face hearings in November and April, respectively, while Fleming assists authorities.
Jasveen Sangha, charged with supplying the lethal dose, faces serious charges, including conspiracy and methamphetamine possession. Her trial in August 2025 is expected to draw significant attention. Prosecutors argue the defendants exploited Perry’s celebrity status and addiction for profit.
- Sentencing: Plasencia’s hearing set for December 3.
- Sangha: Trial scheduled for August 2025.
- Penalties: Up to 40 years for Plasencia, life for Sangha.
- Cooperation: Three defendants aiding prosecutors.
The case’s outcome may lead to tighter controls on ketamine distribution.