Matthew Perry overdose case: Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen,” has pleaded guilty in connection to Matthew Perry’s death. Here’s how prosecutors built the case, the role of Perry’s assistant, doctors, and drug middlemen, and what the plea deal means for Hollywood’s drug crisis.
Introduction: The Final Chapter in Matthew Perry’s Overdose Case
Hollywood star Matthew Perry, best known for playing Chandler Bing on Friends, tragically died in October 2023 after an apparent ketamine overdose. His death sparked a high-profile investigation into drug distribution networks operating in Los Angeles.
Now, nearly two years later, Jasveen Sangha—dubbed the “Ketamine Queen”—has agreed to plead guilty to federal criminal charges in connection with Matthew Perry overdose case death. The guilty plea marks the final step in a sweeping case that also ensnared Perry’s assistant, two doctors, and a drug supplier.
With five defendants pleading guilty, prosecutors say justice is being served, while the case shines a harsh light on Hollywood’s struggles with prescription drug abuse.
Who Is Jasveen Sangha, the ‘Ketamine Queen’?
Jasveen Sangha, 36, operated a stash house in North Hollywood, described by prosecutors as a hub for manufacturing, storing, and distributing ketamine and methamphetamine.
Known in underground circles as the “Ketamine Queen,” she supplied large quantities of ketamine to middlemen and users across Los Angeles.
In her plea agreement, Sangha admitted to:
- Maintaining a drug-involved premise.
- Distributing ketamine on multiple occasions.
- Providing ketamine that directly contributed to Matthew Perry overdose case
- Selling ketamine vials in a separate case in 2019, which led to another fatal overdose.
She faces up to 45 years in federal prison at sentencing.
Timeline of Matthew Perry overdose case Final Weeks
The Matthew Perry overdose case is not just about one fatal dose. Court filings show a spiral of addiction, enablers, and repeated medical dangers in Perry’s last weeks:
- October 12, 2023 – Perry received a ketamine infusion from a licensed doctor. Later that day, Dr. Salvador Plasencia arrived at Perry’s home with vials of ketamine, administering an unsafe dose. Perry suffered a severe reaction, freezing up and unable to speak.
- October 14, 2023 – Eric Fleming, a drug supplier, delivered 25 vials of ketamine allegedly obtained from Sangha.
- October 24, 2023 – Another 25 vials were delivered. Perry’s assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, injected him multiple times per day between October 24 and 27.
- October 28, 2023 – Perry was found unresponsive in his Pacific Palisades hot tub. Authorities later confirmed ketamine toxicity as a leading cause of death.
The Defendants in the Case
The U.S. Department of Justice charged five people in August 2024 in connection with Matthew Perry overdose case death. All five have since entered guilty pleas.
Here’s a comparison of the defendants, charges, and plea deals:
| Defendant | Role in Case | Charges | Plea Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jasveen Sangha (“Ketamine Queen”) | Drug supplier, stash house operator | 1 count drug premises, 3 counts ketamine distribution, 1 count resulting in death | Pleaded guilty (up to 45 years) |
| Dr. Salvador Plasencia | Perry’s provider of ketamine vials | 4 counts ketamine distribution | Pleaded guilty (July 2025) |
| Eric Fleming | Middleman connecting Perry’s assistant to Sangha | Multiple distribution counts | Plea deal (2024) |
| Kenneth Iwamasa | Perry’s assistant, injected him with ketamine | Drug conspiracy charges | Plea deal (2024) |
| Dr. Mark Chavez | Fraudulent prescriptions for ketamine lozenges | Distribution of controlled substances | Plea deal (2024) |
This network of suppliers, doctors, and assistants ultimately enabled Matthew Perry overdose case fatal overdose, prosecutors argued.
The Role of Perry’s Assistant and Doctors
The NLP keyword entities highlight the disturbing involvement of trusted insiders:
- Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s longtime assistant, allegedly injected the actor 6–8 times a day with ketamine in the week before his death.
- Dr. Plasencia provided Perry with large doses of ketamine at his home, even after seeing him suffer an adverse reaction.
- Dr. Chavez wrote fraudulent prescriptions for ketamine lozenges, bypassing legitimate medical oversight.
This blending of medical professionals, street dealers, and celebrity assistants created a lethal environment for Perry.
What Prosecutors Said About Sangha’s Role
According to prosecutors, the fatal dose of ketamine that killed Matthew Perry came directly from Sangha’s stash house.
Court documents revealed that:
- Sangha supplied 50 vials of ketamine within two weeks of Perry’s death.
- She had a history of selling to other high-profile clients and underground distributors.
- She admitted guilt not only in Perry’s case but also in the 2019 overdose of Cody McLaury, another victim of her sales.
The Department of Justice argued her distribution network was central to Perry’s overdose.
Celebrity Overdoses and Hollywood’s Drug Problem
The Matthew Perry overdose case fits a troubling pattern of Hollywood addiction and fatal drug use, echoing the deaths of:
- Michael Jackson (2009) – Propofol administered by Dr. Conrad Murray.
- Prince (2016) – Fentanyl-laced painkillers.
- Heath Ledger (2008) – Prescription drug cocktail.
These tragedies raise questions about:
- The responsibility of doctors in prescribing addictive substances.
- The accountability of drug dealers and suppliers.
- The role of celebrity culture in fueling access to dangerous drugs.
Public Reaction: Who Is Responsible?
Public opinion on the Matthew Perry overdose case is deeply divided. Online forums show two main perspectives:
- Accountability on Perry—Many argue he made the choice to use ketamine, and responsibility lies with him.
- Accountability on Dealers/Doctors—Others believe dealers and unethical doctors enabled and profited from his addiction, making them equally culpable.
This tension reflects broader debates on drug policy, personal responsibility, and enforcement priorities.
What Happens Next? Sentencing and Impact Matthew Perry overdose case
Sangha will formally change her plea to guilty at a federal hearing. Sentencing will follow later in 2025, with a potential maximum penalty of 45 years in prison.
Legal experts believe the stiff penalties are intended as a warning to Hollywood’s drug pipeline:
- Dealers targeting celebrities will face federal prosecution.
- Doctors abusing medical authority will not be shielded by their licenses.
- Assistants and insiders enabling addiction may also be held accountable.
The case could set a precedent for how high-profile overdoses are prosecuted in the future.
Conclusion: A Hollywood Tragedy with Lasting Consequences
The guilty plea of Jasveen Sangha, the “Ketamine Queen,” closes the legal chapter on the Matthew Perry overdose case.
Yet it opens wider discussions about:
- Addiction in Hollywood and the dangers of ketamine misuse.
- The responsibility of enablers, from assistants to doctors.
- The effectiveness of law enforcement in tackling high-profile drug cases.
As Perry’s fans remember him for his iconic role on Friends, his death stands as a stark reminder of the real-life dangers of drug misuse — and the complex network of people who enable it.
FAQs on the Matthew Perry Overdose Case
Q1. What caused Matthew Perry’s death?
Matthew Perry died in October 2023 from an apparent ketamine overdose, according to autopsy reports.
Q2. Who is Jasveen Sangha?
Known as the “Ketamine Queen,” Sangha supplied the ketamine that prosecutors say caused Perry’s death.
Q3. What charges did Sangha plead guilty to?
She pleaded guilty to five federal charges, including maintaining a drug premises and distributing ketamine resulting in death.
Q4. Were others charged in the case?
Yes, Perry’s assistant, two doctors, and a middleman were also charged. All five have now pleaded guilty.
Q5. What sentence could Sangha face?
She faces up to 45 years in prison. Sentencing will be scheduled later in 2025.