Matthew Perry’s assistant sentenced to 41 months for ketamine death
The Story
Kenneth Iwamasa, the live-in personal assistant to actor Matthew Perry, was sentenced to 41 months in prison for his role in Perry’s death from ketamine overdose. Iwamasa injected Perry with the drug and procured over $50,000 worth of ketamine despite having no medical training. Perry was found dead in his Los Angeles hot tub in October 2023.
Key Facts
- Iwamasa was sentenced to 41 months in prison, two years supervised release, and a $10,000 fine, and is to report to prison on 17 July.
- He pleaded guilty in August 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.
- Prosecutors had sought a prison term of three years and five months.
- Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett pointed to Iwamasa’s knowledge of Perry’s addiction and his concealment of evidence after the death.
- Iwamasa apologized in court, saying he hoped to be a cautionary tale.
- Perry’s mother and sisters submitted letters criticizing Iwamasa; one sister said he was “more culpable” than ketamine dealer Jasveen Sangha.
- Perry’s cause of death was listed as acute effects of ketamine with drowning as a contributing factor.
- Iwamasa was the first of five defendants to reach a plea deal and the last to be sentenced; all five pleaded guilty.
- Iwamasa’s attorney argued he acted at Perry’s direction and was “incapable” of saying no.
Conflicting Reports
The article presents conflicting perspectives: Perry’s family stated Iwamasa was culpable and willfully abandoned Perry, while Iwamasa’s attorney contended he acted under Perry’s direction and faced an uneven power dynamic that made him unable to refuse.
Still Unclear
No open questions identified in the source article.
Misconceptions
No widespread misconceptions addressed in the source article.
Key Figures
- Kenneth Iwamasa (live-in personal assistant)
- Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett
- Jasveen Sangha (ketamine dealer referenced)
- Caitlin Morrison, Madeline Morrison, Suzanne Morrison (Perry’s sisters and mother)
- Alan Eisner (Iwamasa’s attorney)
Sources
- BBC News — Primary Source (single-source story)
