On Thursday (August 15), five individuals were apprehended as part of a drug investigation linked to the death of Friends star Matthew Perry.
In a press conference, the US Department of Justice announced that the investigation uncovered a “broad underground criminal network” that exploited the actor by selling him ketamine.
The five suspects are believed to be involved in this network.
Following these startling developments, which include incriminating text messages, Perry’s family has commented on the arrests.
In a statement shared with NBC News, Perry’s stepfather Keith Morrison said: “We were and still are heartbroken by Matthew’s death, but it has helped to know law enforcement has taken his case very seriously.
“We look forward to justice taking its course,” he added.
Morrison, a former Dateline host, has been married to Perry’s mother, Suzanne, since 1981.
On October 28, 2023, Perry was discovered lifeless in a hot tub at his Los Angeles residence. Ketamine traces were found in his system, initially leading to the belief that his death was an accidental overdose.
Morrison was listed as the informant on Perry’s death certificate, identifying Perry’s body to authorities. He was also seen with police outside Perry’s home on the night of the incident.
Morrison previously spoke about the family’s grief on Hoda Kotb’s Making Space podcast in March, saying, “As other people have told me hundreds of times, it doesn’t go away.
“It’s with you every day. It’s with you all the time, and there’s some new aspect of it that assaults your brain,” he continued. “It’s not easy, especially for his mom.”
“It was the news you never want to get, but you think someday you might,” he added.
Morrison also discussed Perry’s struggle with alcohol and drug addiction, saying, “He felt like he was beating it.
“But you never beat it, and he knew that too.”
If you have experienced a bereavement and need someone to talk to in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends at (877) 969-0010.
For friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can call American Addiction Centers 24/7 at (313) 209-9137, or reach out through their website.