Matthew Perry’s stepfather Keith Morrison has spoken out after five people were charged in connection to the actor’s death.
The Friends star 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”.
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced in May that they were working with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on an investigation into the unusual circumstances surrounding the Chandler Bing star’s death. On Thursday (August 15), five people were charged in connection to his death, United States Attorney Martin Estrada told a press briefing.
READ MORE: Matthew Perry death drug ketamine loved by Brits has weird horse history and grim symptom
READ MORE: Click for more brilliant Daily Star showbiz stories
The 17 Again star’s personal assistant, two doctors and several others – including one known as ‘the Ketamine Queen’ – have been indicted for providing ketamine. Now, Perry’s stepfather Keith has spoken out following the latest developments.
(Image: No credit)
He 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 and we’re grateful for the exceptional work of the multiple agencies whose agents investigated Matthew’s death.
“We’re hoping unscrupulous suppliers of dangerous drugs will get the message,” he added. Keith tied the knot to Perry’s mother Suzanne Perry back in 1981 and the late actor credited him for bringing his family back together.
Perry’s dad John Perry was married to his mother Suzanne from 1968 to 1970. Government lawyers have claimed Perry’s assistant and an acquaintance worked closely with two physicians and a drug dealer to obtain thousands of dollars worth of ketamine for the star.
An indictment filed in federal court on Wednesday (August 14) but sealed on Thursday (August 15) detailed the grand jury charges against Jasveen Sangha, who prosecutors said was known as ‘The Ketamine Queen’, and Salvador Plasencia, known as ‘Dr P’.
(Image: Getty Images Europe)
The indictment read that Sangha maintained a “stash house” in the heart of North Hollywood. According to the document, Dr Plasencia, a physician who worked at an urgent care centre, was among those who assisted Perry to get the drug despite being aware of his drug abuse history.
The charges against them include conspiracy to distribute ketamine, distribution of ketamine resulting in death, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and altering and falsifying records related to a federal investigation.
Perry’s personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, another doctor, Mark Chavez, and Erik Fleming, an acquaintance of the actor, were all charged separately with counts including conspiracy to distribute ketamine, according to a person with knowledge of the situation who was granted anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation.
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.”
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
