Police close in on dealers of Matthew Perry’s fatal dose
The suppliers of ketamine to Friends actor Matthew Perry are reportedly close to being apprehended by the police, who are investigating his death. The actor had a long, complicated history of battling alcohol and drug addictions and subsequently was found dead at his Los Angeles home in October 2023 at the age of 54.
The actor’s autopsy revealed that “acute effects of ketamine” were the leading cause of his death. Sources are now indicating that the police who have been put in charge of investigating his death have revealed that several individuals may be charged with his demise imminently.
While there aren’t a lot of details publicly available, TMZ has reported that the federal authorities investigating the actor’s overdose are “confident” that they have enough evidence to press charges against those who supplied him with the ketamine that eventually led to his death.
A report released by the department said, “Drug Enforcement Administration agents launched their Perry death investigation after the LA County Medical Examiner determined the Friends star died from drowning in his hot tub after taking ketamine,” describing the drug as, “a dissociative anaesthetic that has some hallucinogenic effects.”
It has also been reported that the police intend to charge the suspects with drug distribution, which resulted in death or severe bodily injury. If they are found guilty, this charge brings with it a minimum sentence of 20 years in prison.
It has also been noted that the DEA are currently only investigating drug dealers; however, they may investigate doctors if they have issued prescriptions that are considered beyond the scope of necessity. The report states that it has delved deeply into the Hollywood drug scene and that the actor’s death “is poised to expose a seedy underbelly of Hollywood drug dealing.”
On July 7th, it was reported that the actor’s drug-related death would be explored in further detail in a press conference where the charges will be laid out in more detail. It was reported that the police are “Preparing for a press conference to announce possible charges, which could even include involuntary manslaughter.”
This remains a developing story. Further information will be released following the police press conference and as individuals are charged.