At least one person has been arrested in relation to the investigation into Matthew Perry’s death, which has seen multiple charges filed. Reports indicate that five individuals, including two doctors, face charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.
A criminal inquiry was initiated after the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office established that Perry’s death resulted from “acute effects of ketamine.” The “Friends” actor was found lifeless in his pool on October 28, 2023.
According to Yahoo Entertainment, at least one arrest was confirmed by a source familiar with the case. NBC News has reported that the arrest took place on Thursday in Southern California.
ABC News reveals that the five charged individuals, including two medical professionals, are believed to have been connected to Perry’s initial access to ketamine. When his drug costs became prohibitive, he sought alternative sources, one of whom is referred to as the “Ketamine Queen of Los Angeles.” These individuals are also implicated in another person’s death, identified in the indictment as “C.M.”
The investigation has involved multiple agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Postal Service, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
Sources have indicated that text messages related to Perry’s attempts to procure ketamine were uncovered during a search warrant execution. The involvement of the Postal Service suggests that drugs or finances may have been exchanged via mail.
What is Ketamine?
Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic known for its hallucinogenic properties, utilized legally by licensed practitioners for mental health treatments. Perry’s autopsy report noted he was undergoing ketamine therapy for anxiety and depression; however, the coroner stated that the ketamine levels in his system at the time of death could not have originated from his prescribed treatment, which occurred over a week prior.
Ketamine has also gained notoriety as a recreational street drug, particularly popularized in the 1990s club scene. The concentration of ketamine found in Perry’s body was reportedly comparable to dosages used for general anesthesia.
Other Factors in Perry’s Death
The circumstances surrounding Perry’s passing have been classified as accidental, related to both drug use and drowning. The Los Angeles medical examiner highlighted drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine—used to treat opioid addiction—as contributing elements. Perry had openly discussed his struggle with opioid addiction throughout his life.