Matthew Perry’s Death Investigation: A Complete Timeline

Two months after Matthew Perry’s tragic passing at the age of 54, the investigation into his death continues to unfold. Initially ruled an accident, the case took a dramatic turn with the release of a toxicology report, which revealed that Perry died from the “acute effects of ketamine.”

The report raised more questions than answers, as it was discovered that Perry had received regular ketamine infusions to treat depression and anxiety, but his last infusion had taken place over a week before his death. This discrepancy sparked a deeper investigation, which led to the Los Angeles Police Department opening a case.

Fast-forward, and five individuals were charged with varying federal crimes, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.

Here is a complete timeline of the investigation into Matthew Perry’s death:

September 30, 2023

Court documents revealed that Dr. Salvador Plasencia allegedly contacted Dr. Mark Chavez about purchasing ketamine, intending to sell it to Perry. Plasencia reportedly texted Chavez, “I wonder how much this moron will pay” for the substance. Chavez sold Plasencia ketamine, lozenges, syringes, and gloves, which Plasencia then left with Perry’s former personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa. Plasencia also taught Iwamasa how to inject ketamine, so he could administer it to Perry.

October 2, 2023

Iwamasa sent Plasencia a text message requesting to purchase additional vials of ketamine. That same day, Plasencia texted Chavez asking for more ketamine to sell to Perry.

October 8-10, 2023

Plasencia sold numerous vials of ketamine to Iwamasa and met with both him and Perry at several locations, including Long Beach, California, where Plasencia allegedly injected Perry with ketamine while they were in a car. The documents also stated that on October 10, Iwamasa contacted Fleming to purchase more vials of ketamine. Fleming then texted Sangha, a.k.a. “The Ketamine Queen,” to obtain the drugs.

October 14, 2023

After delivering samples of ketamine to Iwamasa and Perry at his residence the day prior, Fleming allegedly drove to Perry’s home to obtain the funds for the drugs. Fleming then drove to Sangha’s “stash house” and bought 25 vials. He then drove back to Perry’s house and delivered the drugs, according to the documents.

October 23, 2023

Iwamasa texted Fleming asking to purchase more ketamine, allegedly asking via text, “Can we do the same as last time over the next two days?”

October 24, 2023

Fleming allegedly bought another 25 vials of ketamine from Sangha, then drove back to Perry’s home to drop off the drugs.

October 25-27, 2023

Court documents alleged that Iwamasa administered Perry “at least” six injections of ketamine on October 25, October 26, and October 27.

October 28, 2023

Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home. He was pronounced dead later that day.

October 30, 2023

Fleming allegedly texted Sangha asking how long ketamine stays in someone’s system since a “three-month tox screening” would be performed on Perry.

December 2023

The toxicology report concluded that Perry died from “the acute effects of ketamine.” The actor’s death was ruled an accident, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine (which is used to treat opioid use) listed as contributing factors.

May 2024

The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that they had opened an investigation into Perry’s death, focusing specifically on how Perry obtained the ketamine found in his system when he died.

August 2024

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California shared a press release announcing that Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a licensed physician, and Jasveen Sangha, a.k.a. “The Ketamine Queen,” an alleged drug dealer, were arrested in connection with Perry’s death. Both Plasencia and Sangha were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.

Fleming pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California, Fleming admitted in court documents that he distributed the ketamine that killed Perry. Iwamasa pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death, and admitted to repeatedly injecting Perry with ketamine without medical training, including on the day he died. Chavez has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.

United States Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement: “These defendants cared more about profiting off of Mr. Perry than caring for his well-being. Drug dealers selling dangerous substances are gambling with other people’s lives over greed. This case, along with our many other prosecutions of drug dealers who cause death, send a clear message that we will hold drug-dealers accountable for the deaths they cause.”