US Attorney Considers Charges in Matthew Perry’s Death as Part of Drug Investigation

The investigation into the supply of ketamine to actor Matthew Perry before his untimely death in October is nearing completion and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will soon have to decide whether to file charges, senior sources at the Los Angeles Police Department told ABC News.

The U.S. Attorney could also refer the case back to state prosecutors if they decide not to pursue federal charges.

The investigation has been ongoing since Perry’s death and involves the LAPD, Drug Enforcement Administration, USPS and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The involvement of the USPS in the investigation could indicate that drugs or payments were sent through the mail at some point.

Perry died on October 28, 2023 at the age of 54 after being found unconscious in his hot tub. An autopsy revealed that he died from the acute effects of ketamine.

The autopsy listed drowning, coronary heart disease and the effects of buprenorphine as contributing factors not related to the immediate cause of death. The cause of death was ruled accidental.

Perry had high levels of ketamine in his blood, likely lost consciousness and then went underwater, according to the autopsy.

Perry was known for his role as Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom “Friends,” which ran from 1994 to 2004.