Friends star Matthew Perry's stepfather has spoken out following the arrest of five suspects on Thursday (August 15) amid a drug investigation into the actor's death.
The US Department of Justice said in a press conference that the investigation revealed a 'broad underground criminal network' that 'took advantage' of the actor by selling him ketamine.
The five suspects in question include:
- Jasveen Sangha, a dealer known as 'The Ketamine Queen,' who allegedly sold Perry the dose of ketamine that killed him.
- Salvador Plasencia, a licensed medical doctor who's been accused of distributing approximately 20 vials of ketamine to Perry.
- Mark Chavez, another licensed medical doctor who helped obtain the ketamine.
- Erik Fleming, a 'broker' and acquaintance of Perry's who pleaded guilty to a count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and another count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death.
- Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry's live-in assistant who worked with Sangha and Chavez to acquire the ketamine and who administered it to Perry despite not having medical training.
Following several shocking revelations, including a series of text messages, Perry's family have since spoken out on the arrests.
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Sharing a statement to 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.
The former Dateline host has been married to Perry's mother, Suzanne, since 1981.
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On October 28, 2023, Perry was found dead by authorities in a hot tub in his Los Angeles home.
Traces of ketamine were found in his system, but at the time his death was believed to be an accidental overdose, according to an autopsy which determined the combined 'acute effects of ketamine' and drowning to be the cause of death.
Morrison was listed as the informant on Perry's death certificate, meaning that he was the person who identified Perry's body to authorities as per E! News.
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The actor's stepfather previously opened up on the family's loss, telling Hoda Kotb on her Making Space podcast in March of this year, "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."
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"It was the news you never want to get, but you think someday you might," he added.
Perry's stepfather also spoke on the actor's battle 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 would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.
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If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can call American Addiction Centers on (313) 209-9137 24/7, or contact them through their website.
Topics: Matthew Perry
Yasmeen Hamadeh