Dr. Salvador Plasencia faces sentencing in the overdose death of “Friends” star Matthew Perry. Plasencia has been found guilty in the case involving Perry’s ketamine overdose. He is the first of five individuals expected to receive sentencing in connection with the actor’s death.
Perry’s family and representatives are advocating for a three-year prison sentence for Dr. Plasencia. They will present statements in a Los Angeles federal court before US District Judge Sherilyn is set to deliver her ruling.
Dr. Plasencia previously admitted to illegally selling substantial quantities of ketamine to Perry. This admission was made as part of a plea agreement. However, he was not directly accused of providing the specific dose that led to Perry’s death on October 28, 2023.
Matthew Perry was reportedly undergoing legal ketamine treatment for depression. He sought out Dr. Plasencia after his regular physician did not supply the amounts he desired. Plasencia acknowledged selling the drug illegally, despite knowing Perry suffered from severe addiction.
Court documents also reveal messages from Plasencia to another doctor, suggesting ways to exploit Perry financially. Perry’s representatives argue that Plasencia took advantage of the actor’s medical vulnerabilities.
Plasencia’s legal team contends that a prison sentence is neither necessary nor just. They highlight that Plasencia has already forfeited his medical license, his clinic, and his entire career. He has also endured harsh media scrutiny and death threats, which prompted his family to relocate out of state for safety.
Plasencia moved with his wife and two-year-old son to Arizona. In a video presented to the judge, he expressed a desire for his son to be proud of him. He admitted to making mistakes but affirmed his efforts to make better choices since.