Matthew Perry's Stepmother Calls for Maximum Sentence for Jasveen Sangha in Actor's Death Case

Suzanne Perry, the stepmother of actor Matthew Perry, expressed that Jasveen Sangha should receive the maximum possible sentence in connection with Perry's death. Perry, known for his role in the television series Friends, died on October 28, 2023, at age 54 from the acute effects of ketamine, drowning, and other factors, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner.

Sangha, a 41-year-old from Los Angeles referred to in media reports as the 'Ketamine Queen,' pleaded guilty in August 2024 to federal charges of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and distribution resulting in death.

S. District Court in Los Angeles. She faces a potential prison term of up to 25 years or more under federal guidelines for the charges. The case stems from an investigation into how Perry obtained large quantities of ketamine, a drug he was using for therapeutic purposes but which led to his accidental drowning in a hot tub at his home.

Case Federal prosecutors alleged that Sangha supplied Perry with ketamine on multiple occasions in the weeks before his death, including doses that were improperly prepared and administered.

Two of Sangha's associates, Salvador Plasencia and Mark Fleming, also face related charges and have pleaded not guilty. The investigation revealed text messages and other evidence showing Sangha's involvement in sourcing and distributing the drug to Perry and others. Matthew Perry's death prompted widespread attention due to his fame from Friends, which aired from 1994 to 2004.

Perry had publicly discussed his struggles with addiction in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. The ketamine involved was pharmaceutical-grade but administered in a manner that contributed to his fatal overdose.

Perry made her statement in an interview with BBC News, emphasizing the impact of her stepson's death on the family.

She described Sangha's actions as contributing to a preventable tragedy. The sentencing hearing will allow for victim impact statements and arguments from both prosecution and defense. Following the sentencing, any appeals process could extend the legal proceedings.

The case highlights ongoing concerns about the illicit distribution of controlled substances like ketamine, which is approved for medical use but regulated due to abuse potential. Authorities continue to investigate related networks in the Los Angeles area. " — Suzanne Perry (BBC News) The outcome of Sangha's sentencing may influence similar cases involving celebrity deaths and drug suppliers.

Perry's family has advocated for stricter measures against those facilitating substance abuse.