Doctor Sentenced in Connection with Matthew Perry’s Death
A doctor has been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for illegally supplying ketamine to actor Matthew Perry in the weeks leading up to his death. Salvador Plasencia, who operated an urgent-care clinic near Los Angeles, is the first of five individuals to face sentencing linked to the tragic circumstances surrounding the “Friends” star, who died in October 2023 after being found drowned in his hot tub.
Why It Matters
This case highlights the troubling exploitation of individuals battling addiction, particularly by those in trusted positions within the medical community. The sentencing serves as a reminder of the ethical obligations healthcare providers have in treating vulnerable patients and the potential legal consequences for failing to uphold these responsibilities.
Key Developments
- Salvador Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts of drug distribution related to Matthew Perry.
- Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett condemned Plasencia’s actions during sentencing, stating he exploited Perry’s addiction for profit.
- Perry’s family referred to those involved in supplying drugs to him as “jackals” and expressed their belief that Plasencia was among the most culpable.
- Plasencia, previously denying charges, admitted to illegal distribution but was not implicated in providing the specific dose that caused Perry’s death.
- The court added two years of probation to Plasencia’s prison sentence.
Full Report
During his sentencing, Judge Garnett articulated the gravity of Plasencia’s actions, stating that he and others contributed to Perry’s tragic end by facilitating the actor’s ketamine addiction. The emotional courtroom scene saw Plasencia’s mother break into tears as he was led away in handcuffs.
Perry had been using ketamine legally to address his struggle with depression, but as his condition worsened, he began seeking the drug illegally, consuming it in unsupervised settings. Although Plasencia did not supply the final dose that led to Perry’s death, he had been providing the anesthetic in the weeks prior. Court documents disclosed a text message from Plasencia to another doctor, expressing his anticipation of monetary gains from his dealings with Perry.
Prosecutors emphasized that instead of prioritizing Perry’s well-being, Plasencia acted out of self-interest, viewing the actor as a lucrative client rather than a patient in need of help. Describing Plasencia as “Dr. P,” they noted that he was introduced to Perry by a patient seeking profitable ketamine treatment for the actor.
Perry’s family issued impactful statements, condemning Plasencia’s actions as not merely impulsive but as calculated decisions made for financial gain. They criticized him for preying on their son’s vulnerability, underscoring the trust placed in medical professionals that Plasencia betrayed.
Context & Previous Events
Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic television show “Friends,” struggled with addiction throughout his life, a battle that dated back to his rise to fame. He was found deceased on October 2023, with reports indicating he had been consuming ketamine unsupervised in the days leading to his death. Plasencia’s guilty plea and subsequent sentencing mark a significant step in addressing the criminal behavior of those who exploit vulnerable individuals like Perry.
