Matthew Perry died in October 2023 at the age of 54 from acute effects of ketamine, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner
Matthew Perry’s death due to the prescription drug ketamine has led to an extensive criminal investigation. For months, authorities have been trying to trace where the actor obtained this potent medication. The autopsy report indicated that the ketamine levels in his blood were similar to those used during general anesthesia.
A law enforcement source involved in the investigation shared that “multiple people” should be held accountable, with the investigation involving the LAPD, DEA, and U.S. Postal Inspector approaching its conclusion.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office will decide if charges will be pressed. But what could those charges be?
Since the DEA is part of the investigation, experts suggest federal charges related to distributing a controlled substance resulting in death or conspiracy to distribute could be on the table following his death on October 28, 2023.
“Typically, these charges are aimed at drug dealers but can apply to pill mills and doctors as well,” says former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani. “Doctors who overprescribe without legitimate reasons could be charged under this section.”
Rahmani explains that sentences can vary based on several factors. “If someone’s drug distribution leads to a death, there are different mandatory minimums and even mandatory life sentences depending on circumstances.”
Former CIA and FBI special agent Tracy Walder mentions that mail fraud could also be a charge. “Transporting drugs across state lines to individuals without prescriptions is illegal,” says Walder. “If that’s the case, there could be charges of illegal drug transportation. I don’t foresee a homicide charge in this context.”
Walder also speculates this might involve “doctor shopping”—where Perry or someone in his circle may have sought multiple prescriptions from various doctors across different states. Such behavior could hold both the individual and the doctors accountable.
Dr. Michelle Reyes explains, “Medical licenses are state-issued. I can’t prescribe medications to someone in another state, nor can I mail prescriptions across state lines. That’s not allowed by my state’s licensing regulations.”
In May, an investigative source from the LAPD revealed that the case had been handed over to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for further action. The status of the investigation remains confidential, as stated by the department’s public information officer.
“This process can take time—sometimes over a year,” says Walder. “The federal agencies need to convene a grand jury, present evidence, and decide on indictments. Only then can arrests be made.”
Defense attorney and former federal prosecutor Caleb Mason suggests that the U.S. Postal Service’s involvement hints at mail containing illegal drugs. “Postal inspectors might have found significant mail evidence during a warrant execution,” Mason notes.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office usually leads task forces to investigate overdose deaths in areas like Los Angeles County, where Perry passed away.
“Any death generally triggers an initial police investigation,” says Mason. “If it’s an accidental overdose, tracing the drug’s origin is crucial. The LAPD might notify the DEA or other authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.”
“Regrettably, there are too many drug-related deaths annually for each to be deeply investigated,” Mason adds. “High-profile cases like Perry’s naturally garner more attention, but ideally, every overdose death should be investigated for its drug source.”
Perry was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner stated that Perry had undergone ketamine infusion therapy, but his last session was too far back to be linked to his death. His autopsy reported drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine (an opioid treatment medication) as contributing factors.
The LAPD began investigating Perry’s death as soon as the Medical Examiner-Coroner completed its examination.
Perry had discussed his lifelong struggle with addiction in his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. “I wanted to write when I was in a safe place,” Perry said in a 2022 interview. “I hoped sharing my story would help others.”
If you or someone you know is battling addiction, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
