Kenneth Iwamasa, the personal assistant to Friends star Matthew Perry, received his sentence after pleading guilty to administering the ketamine injection that killed the beloved actor on October 28, 2023. The sentencing marks a significant conclusion to the criminal investigation that revealed a disturbing network of enablers who facilitated Perry’s access to the dangerous drug despite his well-documented struggles with addiction.
Criminal Charges and Guilty Plea
Iwamasa admitted to repeatedly injecting Perry with ketamine without any medical training or supervision. Court documents revealed the assistant administered multiple doses to the actor on the day of his death at Perry’s Pacific Palisades home. Prosecutors detailed how Iwamasa obtained the drug through an illegal distribution network that included two doctors and a dealer known as the “Ketamine Queen.” Despite having no medical qualifications, Iwamasa gave Perry numerous injections over several weeks leading up to the fatal dose.
The assistant’s guilty plea came as part of a broader investigation that exposed five individuals involved in supplying Perry with ketamine. Federal prosecutors charged Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Dr. Mark Chavez, Jasveen Sangha, and drug dealer Eric Fleming alongside Iwamasa. The investigation revealed text messages where the doctors discussed how much they could charge Perry, with one allegedly writing, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.”
Perry’s Final Hours
On the morning of October 28, 2023, Iwamasa administered at least three ketamine injections to Perry at the actor’s request. The final injection occurred shortly before Perry entered his hot tub, where he was later found unresponsive and face-down in the water. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine, with contributing factors including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine.
What This Means
The case highlights the dangers of unregulated ketamine use and the responsibility of those surrounding celebrities struggling with addiction. Perry had been open about his decades-long battle with substance abuse, detailed in his memoir. Federal authorities emphasized that the defendants prioritized profit over Perry’s well-being, exploiting his addiction for financial gain. The sentencing sends a message about accountability for those who enable drug abuse, particularly when it involves individuals without medical credentials administering controlled substances. The remaining defendants face separate trials as the legal proceedings continue.