Physician Sentenced for Ketamine Connection to Matthew Perry's Death

Post by : Mina Rahman

In a significant legal outcome, a physician from the Los Angeles area has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for the illegal provision of ketamine that played a role in actor Matthew Perry’s demise. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, aged 44, also faces a fine of $5,600 after admitting guilt to multiple felony allegations.

Matthew Perry, identified as 54 years old, was found unresponsive in his jacuzzi at home on October 28, 2023. An autopsy indicated that the “acute effects of ketamine” were a leading contributor to his passing.

Investigations revealed that Plasencia had injected Perry with ketamine several times in the period leading up to his death, at the actor's residence and even in a parked vehicle. Previously, Perry had received treatment for depression and anxiety at a licensed clinic, but unmet treatment needs pushed him to seek solutions elsewhere.

Court records indicate that Plasencia sourced the drug from another physician and facilitated its misuse, exploiting Perry’s dependency. Text communications highlighted attempts to capitalize on the actor's vulnerable state. Others involved in the case, including a personal assistant and certain drug suppliers, have also pleaded guilty and await sentencing.

During court proceedings, Plasencia conveyed remorse, accepting responsibility and expressing apologies to Perry’s family. The presiding judge condemned the actions that enabled the actor's addiction, while Perry’s mother provided a touching statement that underscored the betrayal of medical ethics.