How Responsible Is Matthew Perry’s Assistant For His Death? Here’s What Legal Experts Has To Say

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As a longtime fan of Matthew Perry and his iconic role as Chandler Bing on Friends, this news about his assistant Kenneth Iwamasa being arrested for his death has left me utterly heartbroken. It’s hard to accept that the man behind one of my favorite characters succumbed to such a tragic end at the hands of someone he trusted.

Five months post Matthew Perry’s tragic demise, on August 15, 2024, a team of federal investigators apprehended five individuals, including my beloved idol’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. The prosecutors alleged that Iwamasa had been the one to provide the lethal dose of Ketamine to Perry, ultimately causing his untimely death at just 54 years old. His lifeless body was found in his bathtub, face-down. As a fan, this news has left me utterly devastated and heartbroken.

It was Matthew, famously recognized as Chandler on the hit sitcom Friends, who tragically passed away in October 2023. Although the autopsy report indicated an accidental cause of death, it was later determined that he succumbed to the acute impact of Ketamine alongside other contributing factors such as drowning, coronary artery disease, and effects from buprenorphine, a medication for managing opioid addiction. Now, federal investigators have reopened his case and named five individuals as suspects in connection with his untimely demise.

How closely is Kenneth Iwamasa tied to Matthew Perry’s death?

In one of the major online news outlets, PEOPLE consulted legal experts regarding Kenneth Iwamasa’s involvement in Perry’s death. While one expert considered him “least responsible,” another took a different view, stating that he was “most connected to what ultimately transpired.” The U.S. Department of Justice has identified Jasveen Sangha, also known as The Ketamine Queen, and Dr. Salvador Plascencia, a licensed physician, as the key figures under suspicion in this case.

According to a press statement from U.S. Attorney E. Martin Estrada, Sangha illegally sold a batch of Ketamine. Meanwhile, Plascencia reportedly told patient Perry that he was struggling with addiction, but continued using the drug. Estrada further stated that even after witnessing Matthew’s distress (symptoms like freezing up and high blood pressure) and leaving more vials for Iwamasa to give to Perry, Plascencia didn’t stop administering the substance to him.

1. Eric Fleming admitted guilt for one charge of conspiring to distribute ketamine and another for its distribution, leading to his demise. Meanwhile, Dr. Mark Chavez also consented to plead guilty for distributing Ketamine. He confessed to selling the specified amount to Plascencia in his plea agreement. Estrada additionally confirmed in a press statement that Matthew Perry relapsed into addiction last autumn. It’s common knowledge that the actor struggled with addiction, and he had openly discussed his battles during multiple interviews. (Paraphrased)

What are the legal experts deducting from the case?

Officials claim that Iwamasa could have been involved in a plot with Sangha, Fleming, and Plasencia to unlawfully acquire Ketamine and subsequently distribute it to Perry. On August 7, he admitted his guilt for one charge of conspiring to distribute this substance. According to the press statement, Perry’s assistant acknowledged repeatedly administering ketamine to Perry without any medical training, including several injections on the day he passed away.

Following an examination of the file, Neama Rahmani – a past federal prosecutor and the president of West Coast Trial Lawyers – expressed his viewpoint to PEOPLE. He suggested that Iwamasa seems to be the least responsible party. In his opinion, “I believe he’s not engaged in drug dealing. Instead, he appears to be an assistant. If your superior is a drug addict and you wish to maintain employment, it could be possible that you might perform such tasks for the sake of job retention.”

A previous federal prosecutor named Mark Chutkow holds a contrasting opinion and claims that the four accused individuals took advantage of his drug addiction. Since Iwamasa was administering these substances to Perry, he was closely involved in the events that unfolded. Kenneth Iwamasa is looking at a 15-year prison term; however, by cooperating with the authorities, he could potentially reduce his sentence.

As for now, only time can reveal the events that unfold. I’m curious about the recent disclosures concerning Matthew Perry’s passing. What are your thoughts on this topic?

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2024-08-18 20:22