Matthew Perry death: Doctor admits guilt

In a significant development related to the death of actor Matthew Perry, Dr Mark Chavez has pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges involving the distribution of ketamine.

The plea was entered during a court appearance in Los Angeles on October 2, according to E! News. Dr Chavez, a California physician, admitted to conspiring to distribute the powerful anaesthetic to Perry, who tragically passed away in October 2023 due to the “acute effects of ketamine,” which ultimately led to his drowning in a hot tub, as revealed in an autopsy report released in December.

Although Dr Chavez has reached a plea agreement with prosecutors, he faces a potential prison sentence of up to 10 years when he is scheduled for sentencing on April 2, 2025, according to E! News.

As part of the terms, he has surrendered his passport, remains out on bond, and has agreed to cease practicing medicine. Chavez is one of five individuals charged in connection with Perry’s death.

The actor had openly struggled with addiction, and the court heard that Chavez operated a ketamine clinic and sold ketamine lotions to Dr Salvador Plasencia, who subsequently distributed them to Perry. The Department of Justice revealed that Plasencia and Chavez exchanged text messages discussing how much money they could persuade Perry to spend on ketamine.