The tragic death of Friends actor, Matthew Perry shocked millions, but the newest details of his passing are even more startling. After launching a probe into Matthew Perry’s death, several individuals are now facing multiple charges. However, the latest development reveals that efforts by law enforcement seeking justice in this case are proving successful. One of the key defendants in the case not only pleaded guilty in this case but was an individual with a significant amount of power.
According to Deadline, Dr. Mark Chavez has struck a deal with the federal government, pleading guilty in the case of illegal ketamine distribution. Chavez is one of five key suspects in the case, each allegedly playing a pivotal role in the Friends star’s death. The others include another doctor, Perry’s assistant, and a woman known as the “The Ketamine Queen.” The other doctor and the Ketamine queen both pleaded not guilty, a stark contrast from Chavez admitting guilty, potentially bolstering the case for federal prosecutors. The Justice Department issued a powerful statement about the doctor’s decision to sign a plea deal, stating:
““Chavez has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and has signed a plea agreement. At his arraignment [United States Magistrate Judge Jean P. Rosenbluth] will set a date for Chavez’s change of plea proceeding or direct the parties to contact the chambers of the federal district judge assigned to the case to set the hearing date.”
Perry’s Death Echoes Michael Jackson’s Tragic Passing
Matthew Perry’s ketamine-fueled death that allegedly came at the hands of substance misuse by doctors and those closest to him is eerily similar to Michael Jackson’s death. In the case of Jackson, his doctor, Conrad Murray, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter following an unintentional overdose of the drug, propofol. Improper drug use in both cases ultimately led to each man’s demise and subsequently led to the filing of federal criminal charges.
Several fans of Perry took to social media to express their feelings on the similar nature of the two stars’ deaths. One person on X, tweeted, “The recent arrests and newly revealed details about Matthew Perry’s death remind me a lot of the death of Michael Jackson in 2009. Anyone else getting déjà vu here?” Another person saw the glaring parallels in the deaths, also tweeting, “The way Matthew Perry died reminds me of the ways Michael Jackson and Tony Hsieh died. Stars in their own fields, but alone. Surrounded by people who were leeching from them. In pain, and addicted to things that would play a big part in their deaths.”
It remains to be seen what the fate of the other four charged in the Friends actor’s death will be. With two of the five pleading not guilty, and the others awaiting arrest for their charges, anything could happen. It appears the federal government is relentlessly pursuing this to send a message, something that could save additional lives in the future.
However, it appears at least one person has taken responsibility for any crimes that occurred. In the coming weeks and months, if the case goes according to plan, those closest to Perry and the millions of Friends fans across the globe will get one step closer to receiving the justice they yearn for.
Every season of
Friends
is available to stream on Max.