By Lisa Richwine
In a stunning turn of events, Dr. Mark Chavez, one of the California doctors charged in the overdose death of beloved "Friends" star Matthew Perry, is set to plead guilty on Wednesday to illegally distributing the drug ketamine.
Chavez has reached an agreement with prosecutors to plead guilty to a felony count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, a powerful anesthetic with hallucinogenic properties.
The implications of this case are far-reaching, as Chavez faces a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison. The details of the case reveal a disturbing chain of events that led to Perry's tragic death.
Another physician involved in the case, Dr. Salvador Plasencia, has pleaded not guilty, along with co-defendant Jasveen Sangha, known as the "ketamine queen" for her role as an illicit supplier of the drug. Their trial is scheduled for March.
Perry's personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, has already admitted to injecting Perry with the drug, while a middleman involved in the case has also pleaded guilty to charges.
According to authorities, Plasencia purchased ketamine from Chavez and administered it to Perry, leading to the actor's untimely death in 2023. Perry, who struggled with substance abuse for years, died from the "acute effects" of ketamine and other factors, according to an autopsy report.
Chavez's attorney, Matt Binninger, has emphasized his client's remorse and cooperation in the case, stating that Chavez's regret stems from the tragic outcome of someone seeking treatment.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of illicit drug distribution and the devastating consequences it can have on individuals and their loved ones.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.