Multiple people could face charges in Matthew Perry's death: reports
LOS ANGELES (KTLA) -- Authorities are close to wrapping up the criminal investigation into the passing of Matthew Perry, and according to multiple reports, they believe several people might be connected to his death.
Law enforcement sources recently told PEOPLE magazine, NBC News, and ABC News that a federal probe into who supplied the "Friends" actor with ketamine before he died could lead to charges against multiple people. The sources spoke on the condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to publicly discuss the investigation.
PEOPLE reported that the U.S. Attorney's Office will ultimately decide whether or not to press charges. Nexstar's KTLA reached out to the office about the case, but it offered no comment.
KTLA also contacted the Department of Justice, which did not immediately respond their inquiry.
The case could reportedly go back to state prosecutors if federal charges aren't filed.
Perry was found unresponsive at his Pacific Palisades home on Oct. 28, 2023. Following an autopsy, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner revealed in December that he died from “acute effects of ketamine.”
Just last month, law enforcement officials revealed they were launching a criminal investigation to look into how Perry obtained and consumed so much of the substance. The Los Angeles Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspector are trying to determine who gave Perry ketamine.
“There were trace amounts of ketamine detected in the stomach contents,” the autopsy report stated. “He was reported to be receiving ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety.”
Per the report, Perry’s last known treatment was one-and-a-half weeks before his death and the ketamine that was in his system when he died “could not be from that infusion therapy, since ketamine’s half-life is three to four hours, or less.”
According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, ketamine is a “dissociative anesthetic that has some hallucinogenic effects.” It is often viewed as a “club drug” that is popular among youth and young adults at raves and EDM concerts.
The report also found that contributing factors in Perry’s death included “drowning, coronary artery disease and buprenorphine effects.”
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “Buprenorphine is the first medication to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) that can be prescribed or dispensed in physician offices, significantly increasing access to treatment.”
The manner of the death was listed as accidental (drug and drowning-related) and there were no signs of foul play suspected.
“Drowning contributes due to the likelihood of submersion into the pool as he lapsed into unconsciousness; coronary artery disease contributes due to exacerbation of ketamine-induced myocardial effects on the heart,” the report continued. “Buprenorphine effects are listed as contributory, even though not at toxic levels, due to the additive respiratory effects when present with high levels of ketamine. Autopsy shows no fatal blunt or penetrating trauma.”
For most of his life, Perry was open about his battle with drug and alcohol addiction.
Following his death, his loved ones launched the Matthew Perry Foundation, which aims to help people battle drug and alcohol addiction.
“The Matthew Perry Foundation is the realization of Matthew’s enduring commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction,” the website’s mission statement reads. “It will honor his legacy and be guided by his own words and experiences and driven by his passion for making a difference in as many lives as possible.”
Nexstar's Ashleigh Jackson contributed to this report.