Matthew Perry death investigation nears conclusion, 'multiple people' could reportedly be charged: The latest
Perry died on Oct. 28, 2023, due to "acute effects of ketamine."
The criminal investigation into Matthew Perry's death is nearing its conclusion, according to multiple reports. The beloved Friends star died on Oct. 28, 2023, due to "acute effects of ketamine." According to People, police believe "multiple" individuals should be charged in connection to his death. Here's what's going on.
?? What is being investigated?
Authorities are looking into how Perry obtained the ketamine that killed him, Yahoo Entertainment can confirm. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), United States Postal Service (USPS) and the U.S. attorney's office are all in on the investigation.
The fact the USPS is involved hints that drugs or money were likely sent by mail. "The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is assisting in the investigation," a public information officer tells Yahoo. "Any further questions should be directed to the Los Angeles Police Department as lead investigative agency."
The LAPD confirms to Yahoo there is "an open and ongoing investigation into Matthew Perry's death. At this time there is no further information."
ABC News and the Los Angeles Times report the investigation is almost over and the U.S. attorney's office will decide whether to pursue federal charges. (When contacted by Yahoo, a U.S. attorney’s office public information officer had "no comment.")
The DEA did not respond to Yahoo's request for comment.
?? Wasn't Perry undergoing ketamine therapy, which is legal?
Yes. The Los Angeles medical examiner stated the actor did "ketamine infusion therapy," which was administered by a doctor, one-and-a-half weeks before his death. Perry was open about his mental health struggles and ketamine can be used by doctors to treat anxiety and depression. However, the coroner stated the levels in Perry's system were so high "the ketamine in his system at death could not be from that infusion therapy."
"The exact method of intake in Mr. Perry's case is unknown," the medical examiner wrote in the December 2023 autopsy report.
Perry was found unresponsive in his hot tub at his home in L.A. Drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine, which is used to treat opioid use disorder, were listed as contributing factors. Perry discussed his severe opioid addiction in his 2022 memoir.
?? 'Multiple people' could be charged
A law enforcement source tells People that police believe "multiple people" should be charged in connection with Perry’s death. The Los Angeles Times also reported multiple people have been linked to the procurement of the drug. No names have been officially announced in connection to the investigation.
In Touch Weekly reported Brooke Mueller, ex-wife of actor Charlie Sheen, was questioned by authorities and was "cooperative." Radar also reported she was supposedly questioned "multiple times." A rep for Mueller didn't comment when reached by Yahoo.
??? What happens next?
The U.S. attorney's office could bring federal charges — or not. If prosecutors choose not to pursue charges, the case could be sent back to state prosecutors.
