Why Did Matthew Perry Cases's 'Ketamine Queen' Take Months To Plead Guilty? Here's What Happened

The sudden death of Matthew Perry in October 2023 had left fans heartbroken, but it also exposed a shocking ketamine-related scandal surrounding the late Friends star. Matthew, who achieved worldwide fame for his role as 'Chandler Bing' in the 90s, had been working on his sobriety after years of struggles with alcoholism and opioid addiction.

However, the actor's untimely passing revealed a web of drug distribution that ultimately led to his death. But now the late actor is finally close to getting justice with the 'Ketamine Queen's decision to plead guilty. 

Who is the 'Ketamine Queen' linked to Matthew Perry's demise? 

At the center of the Ketamine scandal is Jasveen Sangha, commonly known as the 'Ketamine Queen' of Los Angeles. She was the last of five people charged in connection with Matthew Perry's death. Jasveen allegedly sold the actor a batch of ketamine that caused his overdose. Now, TMZ reported that she has agreed to plead guilty or accept in the federal court to three counts of ketamine distribution. It includes a count of distributing ketamine resulting in death, and one count of maintaining a drug-involved premises. 

In return, prosecutors dropped other charges, though she still faces decades in prison, with potential punishment of up to 65 years. Federal authorities noted that Jasveen tried to delete messages after Matthew's death, including communications with co-defendants about the actor. She is also accused of distributing nearly 50 vials of ketamine over two weeks for USD 11,000 in cash, working with Matthew's assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, and others to supply the drugs. Her guilty plea marks the final major legal development in the case after the other four guilty pleas from the four other defendants.

Why did it took Jasveen Sangha so long to plead guily?

Initially, Jasveen Sangha had pleaded 'not guilty' and waited until August 2025 to change her plea. Her lawyer, Mark Geragos, said to NBC that she is finally taking responsibility for her actions. For those unaware, pleading guilty will also save her from the upcoming hearing for the case that is scheduled in a few weeks. So, it could be a possible motivation behind her decision.

At the same time, the delay gave her an opportunity to witness the strength of the prosecution, who convinced other accused to plead guilty over the year. In contrast, Jasveen had earlier pleaded 'not guilty' and her lawyer explained on NewsNation, "Just because it's a tragedy doesn't mean it's criminal. I don't see this as a criminal case." At that time, he made a strategic move and emphasised the need to prove her accountable in court, which was not easy for the prosecutors.

How did Matthew Perry die?

Matthew Perry's death was announced as an accidental ketamine overdose. Although he had received ketamine infusion therapy for mental health purposes, the medical report confirmed that the ketamine in his system at the time of death was unrelated to his medical treatment. Earlier, the investigators had found no drugs or paraphernalia near the scene, and foul play was ruled out. The actor had been clean for 19 months before his death and had expressed confidence in his sobriety during interviews. Sadly, despite his efforts, the actor's life was cut short due to recreational ketamine obtained with wrong medical supervision.

What have been the other developments in Matthew Perry's death investigation?

After Matthew Perry's death, the Los Angeles Police Department launched an investigation into how he obtained the high-dose ketamine. Charges were filed against five individuals, including Jasveen, two doctors, and the actor's assistant. Investigators found that she and her co-defendants had been supplying the actor with ketamine over time, ultimately leading to his overdose. So, the guilty plea now ends an important chapter in the legal proceedings. 

While fans continue to mourn Matthew Perry's death, the new development, where all the accused pleaded guilty, has brought closure for them. 

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