Introduction to the Case
A woman charged with selling Matthew Perry the dose of ketamine that killed him is headed for a September trial.
Jasveen Sangha’s trial — the only one forthcoming in the death of the “Friends” star after four other defendants reached plea agreements with prosecutors — is now set to begin Sept. 23 after an order Tuesday from a federal judge in Los Angeles.
Charges and Plea
The 42-year-old Sangha, who prosecutors say was known to her customers as “The Ketamine Queen,” is charged with five counts of ketamine distribution, including one count of distribution resulting in death. She has pleaded not guilty and has been held in federal custody since her arrest last year.
Trial Postponement
Her trial had been scheduled to start Aug. 19, but the judge postponed it for the fourth time since her April 2024 indictment after both sides agreed it should be moved.
Sangha’s lawyers said they needed the time to go through the huge amount of evidence they have received from the prosecution and to finish their own investigation.
Investigation and Plea Agreements
Jasveen Sangha is accused of distributing ketamine to Perry during the final weeks of the actor’s life.
Sangha was one of the two biggest targets in the investigation of Perry’s death, along with Dr. Salvador Plasencia, who pleaded guilty to ketamine distribution last month. Perry’s personal assistant, his friend and another doctor also entered guilty pleas and are cooperating with prosecutors. All are awaiting sentencing.
Matthew Perry’s Death
Perry, who was found dead at age 54 at his home on Oct. 23, 2023, had been getting ketamine from his regular doctor for treatment of depression, an increasingly common off-label use for the surgical anesthetic.
But prosecutors say when the doctor wouldn’t give Perry as much as he wanted, he illegally sought more from Plasencia, then still more from Sangha, who they say presented herself as “a celebrity drug dealer with high quality goods.”
Prosecution Allegations
Perry’s assistant and friend said in their plea agreements that they acted as middlemen to buy large amounts of ketamine for Perry from Sangha, including 25 vials for $6,000 in cash a few days before his death. Prosecutors allege that included the doses that killed Perry.
Conclusion
The trial of Jasveen Sangha, accused of selling Matthew Perry the dose of ketamine that led to his death, is set to begin in September. This case highlights the dangers of ketamine distribution and the importance of holding those responsible accountable. As the trial approaches, it will be crucial to follow the developments and see how the justice system addresses this complex issue.
FAQs
- Q: When is Jasveen Sangha’s trial scheduled to start?
A: September 23 - Q: What are the charges against Jasveen Sangha?
A: Five counts of ketamine distribution, including one count of distribution resulting in death - Q: How did Matthew Perry obtain ketamine?
A: Initially from his regular doctor for depression treatment, then illegally from Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha - Q: What is the status of the other defendants in the case?
A: Four other defendants, including Dr. Salvador Plasencia, Perry’s personal assistant, his friend, and another doctor, have reached plea agreements with prosecutors and are awaiting sentencing.
