Five suspects were arrested on the morning of August 15, 2024, in connection with Matthew Perry’s death. Among them is a doctor who allegedly sent an incriminating text about the “Friends” actor before his death. The message received a negative response from fans.
The arrests were made as part of a narcotics investigation into Perry’s passing. During a press conference on the same day, the US Department of Justice revealed that investigations into the star’s death uncovered a “broad underground criminal network.”
They said the criminals “took advantage” of Perry by selling him ketamine. The suspects and their connections to the late actor are outlined below.
Dr. Salvador Plasencia
Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a licensed medical doctor, is accused of distributing around 20 vials of ketamine to the late actor.
Dr. Mark Chavez
Dr. Mark Chavez, another licensed medical doctor, reportedly assisted in obtaining the ketamine. He previously operated a ketamine clinic.
Erik Fleming
Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of Perry’s and a “broker,” has already pleaded guilty. He pleaded to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death.
It is believed that Iwamasa collaborated with Chavez and Sangha to get the ketamine. Reports suggest that Iwamasa might have administered the substance to Perry despite lacking medical training.
Netizens expressed their dismay when they learned about the eight-word text message that Plasencia sent to Chavez while discussing Perry.
Netizens Saddened by Incriminating Text
Social media users who read the text messages exchanged between the two doctors involved in Perry’s death were vocal about their feelings. Responding to a publication’s Facebook post on the matter, one person included a crying emoticon in their message.
The person wrote, “So the people who he thought and trusted were his ‘friends’ were not his ‘friends’ at all, so so sad.” Another added, “What a sad story of a man that had so much to live for.”
A Facebook user, touched by how Perry was deceived, said, “This is just so sad.” Another reader shared that the news left them “Heartbroken.” The ominous text message sent from Plasencia to Chavez was an effort to get ketamine to sell it to Perry.
The Incriminating Conversation
The US Attorney’s Office said Plasencia sent the text after learning of Perry’s interest in acquiring the substance. In 2023, Plasencia and Chavez texted each other while discussing the price they would charge the late star for the drug.
While Perry struggled with his addiction to the substance, Plasencia allegedly wrote to Chavez, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.” He reportedly continued, “Lets [sic] find out.”
According to the indictment, during the months leading up to Perry’s death, Iwamasa waited for ketamine to arrive from Sangha. Four days before Perry’s death, Fleming allegedly informed Iwamasa that the substance was “on its way to our girl.
The person he referred to as “our girl” was reportedly Sangha. When news of Perry’s death broke, Sangha allegedly messaged Fleming, urging him to “Delete all our messages.”
Authorities revealed that the five suspects tried covering up their dealings by using code words like “cans,” “bots,” and “Dr. Pepper” to refer to ketamine. Plasencia was reportedly aware that Perry was risking his life.
Perry Froze up Once While Taking the Substance
Reports show that Plasencia knew Matthew Perry’s life was in danger due to an incident 16 days before his death. During a press conference, Martin Estrada, a US Attorney, noted that on one occasion, when Plasencia injected Perry with the drug, something concerning happened.
After injecting the late actor, Plasencia saw him “freeze up, and his blood pressure spiked.” Estrada revealed that the doctor appeared concerned and advised Iwamasa, “Let’s not do that again.”
