Matthew Perry death case takes final turn with assistant sentencing

Kenneth Iwamasa, the longtime personal assistant to late Friends actor Matthew Perry, has been sentenced to three years and five months in prison for his role in the ketamine-related death of the actor, according to the Associated Press.

The sentence was handed down in federal court in Los Angeles by Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett. Iwamasa was also ordered to serve two years of probation and pay a $10,000 fine following his guilty plea in the high-profile investigation surrounding Perry’s death in October 2023.

According to the Associated Press, prosecutors described Iwamasa as a central figure in Perry’s access to ketamine during the actor’s final months. Court documents stated that he obtained the drug through illegal channels and administered injections to Perry, including the fatal dose linked to the actor’s death.

During sentencing, Judge Garnett described Iwamasa’s actions as reckless, stating he had been aware of Perry’s struggles with addiction but continued enabling dangerous behaviour. However, the judge also noted there was no direct evidence of malicious intent.

Iwamasa had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death and became a key cooperating witness in the broader federal investigation. The case led to multiple prosecutions connected to the supply of ketamine to Perry, including doctors, intermediaries, and alleged dealers.

According to investigators, Perry had been legally using ketamine for depression treatment before seeking additional supplies outside medical supervision. Authorities said Iwamasa eventually admitted to administering several injections per day in the days leading up to Perry’s death.

Matthew Perry died on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined ketamine was the primary cause of death, with drowning listed as a contributing factor.