In a grim twist to the saga of Matthew Perry’s untimely death, Dr. Mark Chavez, one of two California doctors implicated in the overdose of the beloved “Friends” star, has pleaded guilty to illegally distributing ketamine. Chavez, based in San Diego, entered his plea in a Los Angeles federal court, acknowledging his role in the tragic events leading up to Perry’s passing. The doctor now faces a possible decade behind bars, with sentencing slated for April.
Another doctor involved, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, along with alleged drug supplier Jasveen Sangha—infamously dubbed the “ketamine queen”—are fighting their charges and are set to face trial next March. Meanwhile, Perry’s personal assistant, who had admitted to administering the fatal dose, and a middleman involved in the supply chain, have already pleaded guilty.
Court records revealed disturbing text messages exchanged between Plasencia and Chavez, showing the two discussing how much they could charge Perry for the drug. Chavez fraudulently obtained the ketamine and knowingly supplied it, despite understanding the dangerous circumstances surrounding its use.
Perry’s death in October 2023, at age 54, was ruled as a drowning brought on by the “acute effects” of ketamine, marking the tragic end to a life already marked by a long and public struggle with substance abuse.
Chavez, who surrendered his medical license, is cooperating with authorities in the ongoing case against his co-defendants. Until his sentencing, he remains free on bond.
