Doctor Sentenced for Role in Matthew Perry’s Death
On Wednesday, Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett sentenced Dr. Salvador Plasencia to over two years in prison regarding the overdose death of Matthew Perry in Los Angeles, California.
Plasencia, who is 44 years old, pleaded guilty to illegally selling ketamine to the actor before Perry’s tragic overdose in 2023, according to reports. In addition to the two and a half-year prison sentence, the judge also ordered him to serve two years of probation, emphasizing that he did not directly administer the ketamine that resulted in Perry’s death.
During the sentencing, Judge Garnett remarked, “You and others kept Mr. Perry addicted to ketamine and helped set him on the path to this outcome.” She added that Plasencia exploited Perry’s addiction for his personal gain.
This case marks Plasencia as the first defendant sentenced in connection with Perry’s death. He chose to surrender on Wednesday, as reported by his lawyer. There were emotional moments in the courtroom, particularly when Plasencia’s mother was seen crying as he was taken away in handcuffs.
Four other individuals have also pleaded guilty in relation to Perry’s death, and they are expected to receive their sentences in the coming months.
Court documents indicate that Plasencia had been communicating with another physician about Perry, referring to him as a “fool” who could be profited from. This is troubling, as Perry had been known to face addiction issues and was using ketamine legally for depression treatment. After his regular doctor declined to raise his dosage, Perry turned to Plasencia, who knowingly sold him the drug despite his addiction issues.
In July, Plasencia pleaded guilty to four counts related to the distribution of ketamine. The remaining defendants are slated for individual hearings soon.
Perry’s mother and two half-sisters delivered poignant victim impact statements before the sentencing, with Perry’s sister, Madeline Morrison, stating, “The world is mourning my brother. He was everyone’s favorite friend.”
