---
title: "Final Defendant in Matthew Perry Ketamine Death Case Sentenced"
url: https://www.herehiltonhead.com/2026/05/28/final-defendant-matthew-perry-ketamine-death/
date: 2026-05-28T23:18:13+00:00
modified: 2026-05-28T23:18:13+00:00
author: "Ramona N. Clifton"
categories: ["News"]
site: "HERE Hilton Head"
attribution: "HERE Hilton Head"
---

# Final Defendant in Matthew Perry Ketamine Death Case Sentenced

*Source: [HERE Hilton Head](https://www.herehiltonhead.com/2026/05/28/final-defendant-matthew-perry-ketamine-death/) — May 28, 2026 by Ramona N. Clifton*

Kenneth Iwamasa, the personal assistant who administered the fatal dose of ketamine to actor Matthew Perry, was sentenced on Wednesday in a Los Angeles federal courtroom. This sentencing marks the conclusion of a high-profile case that has drawn attention across the nation, including here on Hilton Head Island, where many fans of the beloved actor mourned his passing.

Iwamasa, who was 60 at the time of sentencing, became the fifth and final defendant to be sentenced in the case. U.S. District Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett presided over the proceedings, having previously sentenced four other co-defendants involved in the tragic events surrounding Perry’s death.

Prosecutors recommended a prison term of approximately three years and five months, or 41 months, citing Iwamasa’s cooperation as a key government witness. He was the first of the five co-defendants to enter a guilty plea. However, the prosecution noted that his cooperation did not warrant a sentence lower than some of his co-defendants, who received varying sentences based on their roles in the conspiracy.

Iwamasa pleaded guilty in August 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death. In the days leading up to Perry’s death on October 28, 2023, Iwamasa injected the actor six to eight times daily without any medical training. He had learned to administer injections from a physician who was also sentenced in this case.

The case has highlighted the tragic circumstances surrounding Perry’s death. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined that the acute effects of ketamine were the primary cause of death, with drowning cited as a secondary cause. Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic television show “Friends,” was found unresponsive in his hot tub at his Los Angeles home.

The other co-defendants in the case include:

- Jasveen Sangha, the lead ketamine supplier, who received a 15-year prison sentence.

- Salvador Plasencia, the physician who taught Iwamasa to inject ketamine, sentenced to 30 months.

- Erik Fleming, a middleman who supplied ketamine to Iwamasa, sentenced to 2 years.

- Mark Chavez, another physician involved, sentenced to 8 months of home detention.

This case, which has been under investigation for 2.5 years, has raised awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and the responsibilities of those who administer substances without proper training. As the final sentencing concludes, many hope that this tragic incident will serve as a cautionary tale for others.

Fans of Matthew Perry on Hilton Head Island and beyond continue to remember him for his contributions to entertainment and the joy he brought to millions. The circumstances surrounding his death serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with substance abuse and the importance of seeking help when needed.