A woman known as the “Ketamine Queen” has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for her involvement in the fatal overdose of actor Matthew Perry, famous for his role as Chandler Bing in the TV series “Friends.” Jayvee Sangha, aged 42, admitted to distributing ketamine that led to Perry’s death and confessed to running a drug operation from her residence in North Hollywood, Los Angeles.
The sentencing, imposed by US District Judge Sherilyn Garnett, followed Sangha’s guilty plea to various drug-related charges. Rejecting the defense’s request for leniency, the judge agreed with the prosecutors’ recommendation for a 15-year term. Sangha had been in custody since August 2024.
Matthew Perry, aged 54, was discovered unconscious in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. An autopsy confirmed that his death was caused by the immediate effects of ketamine, resulting in loss of consciousness and subsequent drowning. Prior to his death, Perry had been undergoing ketamine therapy for depression under medical supervision but sought higher doses from illicit sources after being denied by his doctors.
Authorities revealed that Sangha supplied a significant amount of ketamine, facilitated by intermediary Erik Fleming, with the drugs ultimately reaching Perry through his assistant. It was disclosed that the assistant administered multiple ketamine injections shortly before the actor’s demise. Sangha also acknowledged her awareness that the drugs were meant for Perry and her involvement in another overdose incident in 2019.
In addition to Sangha, four others, including two physicians, have pleaded guilty in connection with Perry’s death, exposing a network that exploited the actor’s vulnerability. The sentencing signifies a crucial development in a case that has garnered international attention, shedding light on issues surrounding prescription drug misuse and responsibility.