“Ketamine Queen” Plea: Final Defendant in Matthew Perry Overdose Case Takes Responsibility

A pivotal turn in the tragic investigation into Friends star Matthew Perry's overdose death unfolded today as Jasveen Sangha—dubbed the “Ketamine Queen”—struck a plea deal with federal prosecutors. Described by officials as the final defendant in the case, Sangha admitted guilt on several charges tied to providing the fatal dose of ketamine.

Turning Point in the Case

Sangha, a dual U.S.-U.K. citizen, has agreed to plead guilty to five federal counts: maintaining a drug-involved premises, three counts of distributing ketamine, and one count of distribution resulting in death or serious bodily harm. With no trial ahead, this marks the culmination of a multi-defendant investigation, bringing closure to one of Hollywood’s most closely watched legal sagas.ReutersPeople.comDepartment of Justice

What’s at Stake: Sentencing and Legal Exposure

Facing a potential combined maximum of decades in prison, Sangha admitted that the ketamine she supplied to intermediaries was linked to Perry’s death in October 2023. The plea deal avoids a September trial, with sentencing expected in the upcoming months.EW.comReuters

Broader Legal Landscape

Sangha’s admission caps a series of high-profile guilty pleas. Previously, Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, Erik Fleming, Dr. Mark Chavez, and Dr. Salvador Plasencia agreed to plead guilty for their respective roles in distributing ketamine to Perry. Their sentencing is scheduled through late 2025.AP NewsPeople.comThe Washington Post

Investigators found that Sangha and Fleming distributed 51 vials of ketamine to Perry via Iwamasa, who injected Perry with multiple doses on the day of his death.ReutersDepartment of JusticeABC News

Layers of Tragedy and Deception

Following Perry’s death, Sangha reportedly took steps to erase digital evidence—altering messaging app settings to auto-delete communications and urging Fleming to do the same.Department of JusticeLos Angeles Times

Beyond the Perry case, Sangha admitted in her agreement to selling ketamine that led to another man's overdose death in 2019, further exposing the depth of her illicit drug distribution network.New York PostReutersDepartment of Justice

What This Means Moving Forward

With Sangha’s plea, the legal chapter on Perry’s death is drawing to a close—but the emotional and cultural ripples persist. Perry’s well-documented battle with addiction and the tragic nature of his final days have sparked renewed dialogue about the ethics of off-label ketamine treatments and the vulnerabilities of high-profile individuals to exploitation.

As sentencing proceeds, the case stands as a reminder of the devastating human and legal consequences that follow unchecked drug distribution—even when cloaked in secrecy or status.