Matthew Perry’s former assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, has been sentenced to 41 months in federal prison for his role in the ketamine-related death of the beloved Friends star.
Iwamasa previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death. According to court records, he admitted to repeatedly injecting Perry with ketamine in the days leading up to the actor’s death on October 28, 2023.
What Happened on Perry’s Final Day
Prosecutors said Perry received multiple ketamine injections on the day he died. Court documents revealed that after already receiving two doses, the actor allegedly asked Iwamasa to “shoot me up with a big one.”
Iwamasa administered the injection before leaving Perry’s Los Angeles home to run errands. When he returned later that day, the 54-year-old actor was found unresponsive in a hot tub. Authorities later determined Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine.
Emotional Apology in Court
During Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, Iwamasa addressed Perry’s family, including his mother Suzanne Perry and her husband, journalist Keith Morrison.
“I’m so sorry to all of you. You all know how much Matthew loved you.”
“I will forever regret it and I will take it to my grave.”
The court also ordered Iwamasa to pay fines and serve two years of supervised release after completing his prison sentence.
Wider Investigation Led to Multiple Convictions
Iwamasa was one of five defendants charged in connection with Perry’s death as federal investigators uncovered an illegal network supplying ketamine to the actor.
Among those sentenced was Jasveen Sangha, nicknamed the “Ketamine Queen” by prosecutors, who received a 15-year prison sentence after being convicted of distributing ketamine linked to Perry’s death.
Another defendant, Erik Fleming, was sentenced to two years in prison, while doctors Mark Chavez and Salvador Plasencia also received penalties for their involvement in supplying the drug.
A Tragic End for a Beloved Star
Perry had been open for years about his struggles with addiction and recovery, becoming an advocate for those battling substance abuse. His death shocked fans around the world and sparked renewed discussion about the dangers of ketamine misuse and the responsibility of those who provide controlled substances.
The sentencing marks another major chapter in the legal fallout surrounding the actor’s death, nearly three years after the tragedy that claimed the life of one of television’s most recognizable stars.
