Court documents lay bare a chilling narrative concerning Friends star Matthew Perry’s final hours before he was discovered lifeless in his Los Angeles residence on October 28, 2023.
On Thursday (August 15), five individuals were apprehended in connection with a drug investigation related to the actor’s death.
One of those apprehended was Perry’s live-in personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who had acquired ketamine for Perry and administered it, despite lacking any medical qualifications.
According to a plea deal Iwamasa entered with court authorities, he gave Perry a ketamine injection on the morning of October 28th around 8:30 am.
Around four hours later, he administered another dose while Perry was watching a film at home.
As detailed in the court documents, Perry requested another ketamine shot about 40 minutes later, with Iwamasa claiming that Perry instructed, “Shoot me up with a big one.”
Iwamasa proceeded to administer the actor’s third dose within a span of six hours, and reportedly left the premises to attend to errands.
Upon his return, he found Perry lying face down in the hot tub.
Iwamasa, who had been employed by Perry since 1994, disclosed to authorities that he had administered at least 27 shots of ketamine in the last five days of the actor’s life.
Prosecutors argue that the final three doses given on the day of Perry’s death were directly responsible for his ‘death and serious bodily injury.’
In the weeks leading up to his death, Perry had been undergoing ketamine therapy for depression. However, law enforcement noted that Perry seemed to grow increasingly dependent on the drug, resorting to illegal sources after doctors at a local clinic refused to escalate his dosage.
Court documents also mention several incidents where Perry had adverse reactions to the drug, including one instance where Iwamasa found him unconscious, unable to speak or move.
The seven-month-long investigation has culminated in an indictment where prosecutors accuse Iwamasa and four others of facilitating Perry’s ketamine use. They believe the suspects are particularly culpable as they knew about Perry’s history with drug abuse and his efforts to maintain sobriety.
The other four suspects charged in the case are:
If you are seeking friendly, confidential advice regarding drugs, you can contact American Addiction Centers at (313) 209-9137, available 24/7, or reach out through their website.