Five people have been charged in connection with the death of Friends star Matthew Perry, an attorney has revealed.
The beloved actor was found dead in his Los Angeles home on October 28. It was later revealed that the 54-year-old passed away in his hot tub from “the acute effects of ketamine”.
Now, text messages have emerged from one of the doctors arrested in connection with the star’s untimely death. According to Sky News, Salvador Plasencia , a medical doctor known as ‘Dr. P’, sent a damning text. He’s alleged to have wrote: “I wonder how much this moron will pay”.
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He is one of the five defendants charged with involvement in the star’s death. Others charged include Jasveen Sangha, also known as the ‘Ketamine Queen’, Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in personal assistant, Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of the TV star, and another doctor, Mark Chavez.
(Image: PA Archive)
It comes after arrests were made in the heart of Southern California on Thursday (August 15), almost one year after his death. According to TMZ, officers alleged several agencies executed search warrants to determine who supplied the fatal dose to the Chandler Bing star.
They reportedly seized phones, computers and other electronic devices during the thorough investigation. Sources have now told the publication that the drug he consumed was not legally prescribed.
TMZ reports ‘at least one doctor has been arrested, along with several dealers who helped arrange and deliver ketamine to Perry’.
(Image: Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
This sparked the criminal inquiry from several agencies, including the DEO and LAPD. At least one doctor is thought to have been arrested, alongside several dealers.
Unearthed text messages were also reportedly uncovered, which allegedly discussed details on the ketamine he wanted, how they were obtaining it and the price he was willing to pay. The identities of those taken into custody has not been made public.
The possible charges the suspects could face has also not yet been revealed. An autopsy into Perry’s death later revealed the Hollywood actor had been killed by the “acute effects of ketamine”.
(Image: Getty Images)
The ketamine in his system caused cardiovascular overstimulation and respiratory depression, according to a medical examiner’s report. In December, the County of Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner said that the manner of death was “an accident”.
The report shared that he was receiving “ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety.” His last know treatment was a week and a half before his death.
The ruling added: “The ketamine in his system at death could not be from that infusion therapy.” This led to an investigation into his sudden passing.
(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
It comes after a police source declared that several people could be charged in relation to the actor’s death earlier this year. A law enforcement investigative insider told People Magazine that the investigation was “nearing its conclusion”.
They added that police believed “multiple people” should be charged. The source went on to add that the US Attorney’s Office will make the ultimate decision on whether or not to press charges.
In the wake of Perry’s death, his famous friends and adoring fans flooded to social media to pay tribute to the TV legend. The Friends cast – made up of Jennifer Aniston, Lisa Kudrow, Courtney Cox, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer – issued a joint statement just two days after his death his the headlines.
(Image: NBCUniversal via Getty Images)
They remembered their co-star on Instagram with a heartfelt message. It read: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.
“There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. In time we will say more, as and when we are able.
“For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
Lisa Kudrow recently opened up about Perry’s death in a gut-wrenching interview with the Hollywood Reporter. She confessed she had finally begun to re-watch the series in order to keep his memory alive.
She told the outlet: “Honestly, I wasn’t able to watch it because it’s too embarrassing to watch yourself. But if I make it about Matthew, then that’s okay.
“And it’s just celebrating how hilarious he was — and that is what I want to remember [about him]. I’m laughing out loud, and everyone is hilarious. I’m blown away by Courteney Cox. I’m blown away by Jen.
(Image: Getty Images)
“Matthew, obviously, is just uniquely hilarious. No one ever knew that cadence or comedic rhythm before him. Matt LeBlanc is hilarious. And David Schwimmer, too. Sometimes I even laugh at what I’ve done.”
Sharing how she wants Perry to be remembered, she simply added: “I think the world is remembering him the way he wanted to be remembered. I think that’s happening [already].”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
