‘Ketamine Queen’ sentenced to 15 years in Matthew Perry overdose death
Ketamine Queen Sentenced to 15 Years for Role in Matthew Perry’s Overdose
Jasveen Sangha, a 42-year-old Los Angeles resident, received a 15-year prison term for her involvement in the fatal drug overdose of actor Matthew Perry. The sentencing followed her guilty plea in September to five counts, including the distribution of ketamine that resulted in death or severe harm.
Perry, renowned for his portrayal of Chandler Bing in the 1990s sitcom Friends, died in October 2023 after being discovered unresponsive in his home’s hot tub. His death was linked to the effects of ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties typically used under medical supervision.
“You caused this… You who has talent for business enough to make money chose the one way that hurts people,” said Debbie Perry, the actor’s stepmother, during a victim impact statement in California court.
Sangha’s North Hollywood residence was described by prosecutors as a “drug-selling emporium,” where she distributed a variety of substances to affluent clients. During a raid, authorities uncovered dozens of ketamine vials, along with thousands of pills containing methamphetamine, cocaine, and Xanax.
Before her sentencing, Sangha expressed remorse, acknowledging that her choices had “shattered people’s lives” and left her “deeply ashamed.” However, the judge emphasized her lack of regret, stating she must account for her actions in the years since her arrest.
As part of her plea agreement, Sangha admitted supplying ketamine to Cody McLaury in August 2019, whose overdose led to his death shortly after. She now faces a total of 15 years, far below the potential 65-year maximum. Her legal team had requested a lighter sentence, citing her acceptance of responsibility and absence of prior criminal records.
Other individuals connected to Perry’s overdose also pleaded guilty. Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who provided ketamine in the weeks prior to Perry’s death, was sentenced to 30 months in prison in December. Dr. Mark Chavez, a physician who sold the drug to Plasencia, received eight months of home detention and three years of supervised release. Perry’s live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, is set for sentencing later this month, with his team seeking a delay. Eric Fleming, who obtained ketamine from Sangha to supply Perry, will be addressed in June.