LAPD Launches Criminal Investigation On Matthew Perry’s Death

Six months after the sudden passing of Matthew Perry, a criminal investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding his death. The beloved actor, best known for his role on the hit sitcom Friends, passed away on October 28, 2023. He was found deceased in the hot tub at his Los Angeles home, and an autopsy later ruled his death an ‘accident,’ partly due to the ‘acute effects of ketamine.’

The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s office cited ‘drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine’ as contributing factors. At the time, Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy for depression, a treatment he had discussed in his book, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.

Now, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have initiated a joint criminal investigation to understand how Perry had a high amount of drugs in his system. According to The Guardian, the ketamine identified by the medical examiner did not match the timing of his last known infusion, which had been a week and a half before his death. Typically, ketamine from such a treatment would only remain in the system for three to four hours, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The LAPD and DEA aim to uncover the source of the ketamine and how Perry acquired it. On May 21, the LAPD confirmed they are working alongside the DEA and the US Postal Inspection Service to investigate the matter. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the investigation, initially reported by TMZ, is ongoing.

Perry had been open about his struggles with addiction, advocating against the dangers of alcohol and drugs, having battled substance abuse since the age of 14. However, according to his autopsy, Perry had been sober for 19 months at the time of his death, with no recent substance abuse relapses. Investigators found no alcohol, illicit drugs, or drug paraphernalia at the scene.

The autopsy report suggested that the ketamine in Perry’s system could have overstimulated his heart and depressed his breathing, causing him to lapse into unconsciousness before slipping below the water in his hot tub. It also noted that the ‘exact method of intake’ for the ketamine could not be specified, and no new needle marks were found on his body, indicating he had not injected the drug.

This investigation seeks to clarify the unanswered questions surrounding Perry’s death and ensure that any potential foul play is thoroughly examined. The LAPD and DEA continue to work diligently to uncover the truth behind this tragic event.