In a significant legal development, a California doctor has pleaded guilty to four counts of illegal distribution of the prescription anesthetic ketamine in connection with the tragic death of actor Matthew Perry. Salvador Plasencia made his plea in a Los Angeles district court.
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Facing a possible maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, Plasencia is one of five individuals charged in relation to the overdose that claimed the life of the beloved ‘Friends’ star on October 28, 2023.
Ketamine, while sometimes prescribed for conditions such as depression and anxiety, is also susceptible to recreational misuse. In a plea agreement, Plasencia admitted to injecting Mr. Perry with ketamine at the actor’s residence as well as in a car park in Santa Monica, acknowledging that these actions were not for legitimate medical purposes.
Plasencia, who ran an urgent care clinic, obtained the ketamine from another physician, Mark Chavez of San Diego. Text messages uncovered during the investigation revealed a concerning attitude towards Mr. Perry’s dependency. Plasencia allegedly texted Chavez, stating, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.” Such casual remarks highlight the troubling dynamics at play.
Chavez, along with two other co-defendants, has already entered guilty pleas, although none has yet been sentenced. A fifth individual, Jasveen Sangha—described by authorities as a drug dealer and known to clients as the “ketamine queen”—is accused of providing the fatal dose that ultimately led to Mr. Perry’s death. She has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled for trial next month.
Matthew Perry openly discussed his struggle with substance abuse, a battle that extended back to his time on ‘Friends,’ where he portrayed the iconic character Chandler Bing. His death serves as a somber reminder of the serious risks associated with addiction.
In the words of Perry himself, “The only way to deal with this is to talk about it.” His legacy continues to inspire many to confront their own challenges.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring.
