'Too Often We Just Blame the Victim': Prosecutor Explains Why Filing Charges in Matthew Perry's Death Is Important (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Matthew Perry; U.S. Attorney E. Martin Estrada.Photo:Nick Rood/Young Hollywood/Getty, AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes

Nick Rood/Young Hollywood/Getty, AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes

The bombshell announcement that five people — includingMatthew Perry’slongtime assistant, a former movie director, two doctors and an alleged dealer prosecutors called the “Ketamine Queen” — were charged after the actor’s death made headlines around the world.

The prosecutor in charge of the case says no.

“This was not investigated and looked at because it was Matthew Perry,” E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, tells PEOPLE.

“For us, every life matters,” he says.

On Oct. 28, 2023, theFriendsstar was found floating face-down in the hot tub at his Pacific Palisades homeafter an accidental drug overdose.

Matthew Perry’s L.A. Home.Christopher Amitrano

Christopher Amitrano

Anautopsyreleased in December showed that Perry, 54, who shot to fame playing Chandler Bing onFriends,died from acute effects of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic that has some hallucinogenic effects, according to the DEA.

Drowning, coronary artery disease and effects from buprenorphine, a medication used to treat opioid use disorder, were contributing factors, the autopsy revealed.

After Perry died, authorities launchedan investigationinto how the actor obtained the ketamine.

On Thursday, Aug. 15, the Department of Justice announced that Jasveen Sangha, 41, allegedly known as “The Ketamine Queen,” and Dr. Salvador Plascencia, 42, a licensed physician were arrested and charged in connection with his death.

Sangha allegedly “sold the batch” of ketamine that led to Perry’s death, Estrada said at an Aug. 15 press conference.

Plascencia allegedly told another patient in mid-2023 that Perry “was spiraling out of control with his addiction” and yet he continued to offer ketamine to him, Estrada said.

In text messages to another defendant, Dr. Mark Chavez, who has already agreed to pleaded guilty in the case, Plasencia allegedly discussed how much to charge Perry for the ketamine, writing, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.”

Also charged in connection with Perry’s death were Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s longtime assistant, and friend Erik Fleming, a former director. They have already pleaded guilty, according to the DOJ.

Investigating and prosecuting death resulting from drug trafficking cases is important to help save lives, Estrada says.

“There’s two main reasons we do these,” he says. “First, for the victims and their families and loved ones, it’s so important for them to get vindication, some sort of closure.

“Too often these cases are ignored and … too often we just blame the victim. We don’t do that anymore.

“That deterrent message is incredibly important for us and it’s to try to stop it,” Estrada says.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

source: people.com