### Matthew Perry’s Death Probe: Details on Possible Charges and Potentially Responsible
The criminal investigation into the death of beloved “Friends” star Matthew Perry continues to unfold, leaving many questions unanswered nearly a year after his tragic passing. Perry, who was found dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023, died from the “acute effects of ketamine,” according to an autopsy report. The investigation, involving multiple local and federal agencies, is now focusing on identifying those who may have supplied the ketamine that led to his death.
#### The Investigation So Far
The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has been spearheading the investigation. Recently, it was confirmed that the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) are also involved. The USPIS enforces over 200 federal statutes related to crimes involving the postal system, including illegal narcotics distribution.
Entertainment attorney Tre Lovell, who is not connected to Perry or the investigation, provided some insights into the complexities of the case. “There’s a lot to investigate. They’re trying to get at who supplied him with this ketamine that was ultimately responsible for his death,” Lovell explained. “And there could be a number of ways it got to him. It could have been through his physicians, his doctors, or acquaintances.”
#### Potential Charges
As the investigation progresses, the focus is on whether the actions of those who supplied the ketamine constitute a crime. Lovell suggests that involuntary manslaughter is the most likely charge. “Involuntary manslaughter is the unintentional killing by someone who acts recklessly or in conscious disregard of someone’s life,” he said. “So, it’ll be someone that didn’t mean to kill him but may have been aware that supplying ketamine to Matthew Perry could have led to his death.”
If the case is particularly egregious, it could potentially rise to second-degree murder, although Lovell notes that this would be an extremely difficult case to prove. “I would assume that they’re targeting, if they are intending to press charges, probably targeting involuntary manslaughter,” he added.
#### The Role of Federal Agencies
The involvement of federal agencies like the DEA and USPIS highlights the seriousness of the investigation. The government has been making significant efforts to clamp down on drug distribution, especially in light of the ongoing fentanyl crisis. “The U.S. Postal Services gets involved primarily through the distribution of narcotics, possibly through the mail service and other avenues that fall within the purview of their jurisdiction,” Lovell explained.
#### Historical Context
The investigation into Perry’s death is not without precedent. High-profile cases involving the deaths of celebrities like Heath Ledger, Whitney Houston, and Prince did not result in charges against individuals. However, there have been instances where death investigations led to convictions. Michael Jackson’s cardiologist was sentenced to four years in prison, Mac Miller’s supplier received a 17-year sentence, and Michael K. Williams’ supplier was sentenced to 10 years.
“It’s not unheard of to charge people that are providing drugs to somebody that ultimately passes away,” Lovell said. “But I think that the most likely scenario would be a situation where either a physician is providing drugs to Matthew Perry or some other drug dealer or acquaintance that may have been aware of his condition ahead of time.”
#### The Autopsy Report
Perry’s autopsy report revealed that he was receiving ketamine infusion therapy for depression and anxiety. His last known treatment was more than a week before his death, and the ketamine in his system could not have been from that treatment, as the drug’s half-life is under four hours. The report also found contributing factors in Perry’s death, including “drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine effects.”
“Drowning contributes due to the likelihood of submersion into the pool as he lapsed into unconsciousness; coronary artery disease contributes due to exacerbation of ketamine-induced myocardial effects on the heart,” the report stated. “Buprenorphine effects are listed as contributory, even though not at toxic levels, due to the additive respiratory effects when present with high levels of ketamine.”
#### The Matthew Perry Foundation
In the wake of Perry’s death, his loved ones launched the Matthew Perry Foundation, aimed at helping people battle drug and alcohol addiction. “The Matthew Perry Foundation is the realization of Matthew’s enduring commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction,” the foundation’s mission statement reads. “It will honor his legacy and be guided by his own words and experiences and driven by his passion for making a difference in as many lives as possible.”
#### Conclusion
As the investigation into Matthew Perry’s death continues, the involvement of multiple agencies and the potential for serious charges underscore the complexity and gravity of the case. Whether the probe will lead to charges or convictions remains to be seen, but the effort to uncover the truth about Perry’s tragic death is ongoing.
Source: ET, KTLA, PEOPLE, NBC News, ABC News
