Perry's Assistant Jailed for Fatal Ketamine Injection
Kenneth Iwamasa was Matthew Perry's personal assistant. He was sentenced to more than 3 years in federal prison.
Prosecutors said he injected Perry with ketamine that killed him. Iwamasa had no medical training.
He also got a $10,000 fine. Iwamasa pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.
He later destroyed evidence. Perry had been legally prescribed ketamine for depression.
But he sought more than his doctor would give him. Iwamasa said he "will forever regret" his actions.
He is the last of five people sentenced in connection with Perry's death. Perry was an actor best known for the TV show Friends. He died in 2023.
Klear Note — Matthew Perry died in 2023 from a ketamine overdose. Ketamine is a medical drug that can be prescribed for depression. This case involved five people total in connection with his death.
Key Terms 3
- ketamine A drug used medically but also misused illegally as a substance
- conspiracy to distribute A charge for illegally planning to supply drugs with others
- supervised release A period after prison where a person must follow strict rules