Charges Filed in Connection to Matthew Perry's Tragic Death: A Deep Dive

Criminal charges have been filed against five individuals related to the death of 'Friends' star Matthew Perry. The accused include medical professionals linked to an underground network distributing ketamine. Perry, who succumbed to the drug's effects and other factors, died in October 2023.

Criminal charges have been filed against five people in relation to the death of 'Friends' star Matthew Perry, law enforcement officials announced on Thursday.

The defendants, who include two doctors and Perry's assistant, are alleged to be part of an underground network that distributed ketamine in large quantities. 'These defendants took advantage of Mr. Perry's addiction issues to enrich themselves,' U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated at a Los Angeles news conference.

Perry, 54, died from 'acute effects' of ketamine along with other factors including drowning and coronary artery disease, according to an autopsy report. Los Angeles homicide detectives and federal agents have been investigating the source of Perry's ketamine procurement. Toxicology reports revealed dangerously high levels of the drug, along with the presence of buprenorphine, an opioid-addiction medicine. Witnesses noted Perry had been undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety, but the ketamine found in his system was introduced shortly before his death.

(With inputs from agencies.)