A California doctor and a woman charged with unlawfully supplying ketamine to “Friends” star Matthew Perry before his overdose death will stand trial in March 2025, according to court documents released on Tuesday. Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, known in drug circles as the “ketamine queen,” have both pleaded not guilty to charges related to Matthew Perry’s death in October 2023.
The 54-year-old Matthew Perry died from “acute effects” of ketamine, compounded by other factors that led to him losing consciousness and drowning in his hot tub. An autopsy confirmed the presence of ketamine, a short-acting anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties. While ketamine is occasionally prescribed for depression and anxiety, it is also known for its abuse in recreational settings.
Dr. Plasencia, who faces allegations of illegally prescribing ketamine, and Sangha, who is accused of distributing the drug, are scheduled to be tried together in federal court in Los Angeles starting March 4, 2025. The trial will examine the roles each defendant played in Matthew Perry’s tragic death.
Matthew Perry had a well-documented history of substance abuse, which he had publicly addressed, including during his time as Chandler Bing on the iconic 1990s sitcom “Friends.” His struggles with addiction were known to many, making the circumstances of his death particularly poignant.
In addition to Plasencia and Sangha, three other defendants involved in the case have agreed to plead guilty to charges related to Matthew Perry’s death. Their pleas and the upcoming trial highlight the ongoing legal repercussions stemming from the high-profile case.
The trial will likely focus on the legality of the ketamine distribution and the extent of responsibility held by the accused in relation to Matthew Perry’s overdose. This case has drawn significant public attention due to Matthew Perry’s fame and the serious nature of the charges against the defendants.
