The family of late actor Matthew Perry returned to court on May 27, 2026, as his former live-in assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, was sentenced for his role in the actor’s tragic death.
Matthew Perry’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, arrived at the federal courthouse in Los Angeles alongside her husband, Keith Morrison, to witness the sentencing. The case has drawn significant attention since Perry’s death in October 2023.
Kenneth Iwamasa Sentenced to More Than Three Years in Prison
Kenneth Iwamasa, 61, was sentenced to 41 months in federal prison and ordered to pay a $10,000 fine for his involvement in the events leading to Perry’s death.
Iwamasa served as Perry’s live-in assistant and admitted to injecting the actor with ketamine multiple times on the day he died. Perry was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54.
During the sentencing hearing, Iwamasa expressed deep regret for his actions.
“I’m so sorry to all of you,” he told Perry’s family. “I will forever regret what I did and carry it with me for the rest of my life.”
Suzanne Morrison Shares Emotional Statement
Ahead of the sentencing, Suzanne Morrison submitted a victim impact statement describing the trust her family placed in Iwamasa.
She explained that Perry had struggled with addiction for many years and often isolated himself when facing difficulties. Because of this, the family believed Iwamasa would help support his recovery journey.
According to Suzanne, both she and Matthew trusted Iwamasa after knowing him for more than 25 years.
She wrote that his most important responsibility was to help Perry remain sober and continue his fight against addiction.
“Kenny’s number one responsibility was to ensure that Matthew remained drug free,” she stated in her letter.
Details of the Ketamine Investigation
Federal prosecutors revealed that Iwamasa purchased 51 vials of ketamine through another defendant, Erik Fleming, over an 11-day period before Perry’s death.
Authorities argued that Iwamasa was fully aware of Perry’s long history with addiction. Instead of helping him maintain sobriety, prosecutors claimed he became an enabler and supplier of drugs.
Investigators also stated that Iwamasa had previously found Perry unconscious due to drug use on at least two occasions before his death.
Other Defendants Sentenced in the Case
Five people were charged in connection with Matthew Perry’s death.
The sentences included:
| Defendant | Role in Case | Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Kenneth Iwamasa | Former assistant | 41 months in prison |
| Erik Fleming | Acquaintance | 24 months in prison |
| Mark Chavez | Doctor | 3 years probation, 8 months home detention, 300 hours community service |
| Salvador Plasencia | Doctor | 30 months in federal prison |
| Jasveen Sangha | Alleged drug supplier | 15 years in prison |
Federal prosecutors referred to Jasveen Sangha as the “Ketamine Queen” during court proceedings.
A Tragic End for the Beloved Actor
Matthew Perry, best known for playing Chandler Bing in the popular TV show Friends, spent years openly discussing his battle with addiction. His honesty about recovery inspired many people around the world.
The sentencing of those involved marks another chapter in the ongoing legal fallout from his death. For Perry’s family, the court proceedings have been a painful reminder of the trust they placed in someone they believed would help protect him during one of the most vulnerable periods of his life.
The case also highlights the dangers of substance abuse and the importance of having trustworthy support systems for those recovering from addiction. While the legal process has now resulted in multiple convictions and prison sentences, it cannot undo the loss felt by Perry’s family, friends, and fans worldwide. His legacy as an actor, advocate, and beloved entertainer continues to live on through his work and the conversations he helped start about addiction and recovery.
