California police have arrested five persons including Matthew Perry’s personal assistant and two doctors in connection with the probe into ‘Friends’ star's death. The actor died from ketamine overdose last year.
US Attorney Martin Estrada on Thursday said five persons have been charged so far in connection with the actor’s death and the doctors supplied the actor with large amounts of ketamine. In a text, the doctors even wondered how much Perry was willing to pay for the ketamine, Estrada said.
“These defendants took advantage of Perry's addiction issues to enrich themselves. They knew what they were doing was wrong," AP quoted Estrada as saying.
Perry was found unresponsive at his home in Los Angeles' Pacific Palisades area on October 28 after his assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, who stays with him, saw him face down in the jacuzzi. His autopsy was performed the next day. The autopsy report released in October revealed Perry died from the acute effects of the anaesthetic ketamine, which has hallucinogenic properties. The Friends star had years of struggles with addiction, dating back to his time on the hit show.
The attorney said the accused exchanged messages soon after Perry’s death referring to ketamine as the cause. The defendants tried to cover up their involvement in supplying the actor with ketamine, Estrada said.
Estrada said, “Two of the people, including one of the doctors charged, have been arrested. Two of the defendants, including Iwamasa, have pleaded guilty to charges already, and a third person has agreed to plead guilty,” AP reported.
In the autopsy report, ketamine was listed as the primary cause of death and no foul play was suspected. The coroner said drowning and other medical issues were contributing factors.
