Will anyone be charged with Matthew Perry’s murder?

LOS ANGELES (KTLA) — Authorities are close to wrapping up the criminal investigation into the death of Matthew Perry and, according to multiple reports, they believe several people may be connected to his death.

Law enforcement sources recently told PEOPLE magazine, NBC News and ABC News that a federal investigation into who provided ketamine to the “Friends” actor before his death could lead to charges against several people. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to publicly discuss the investigation.

PEOPLE reported that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will ultimately decide whether to file charges. Nexstar’s KTLA contacted the bureau about the matter but had no comment.

KTLA also contacted the Justice Department, which did not immediately respond to its request.

The case could be referred to state prosecutors if no federal charges are filed.

Perry was found unresponsive at his home in Pacific Palisades on October 28, 2023. Following an autopsy, the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner revealed in December that he died from the “acute effects of ketamine “.

Last month, law enforcement revealed they were opening a criminal investigation to determine how Perry obtained and consumed such a quantity of the substance. The Los Angeles Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Postal Inspector are trying to determine who gave Perry ketamine.

“Traces of ketamine were detected in the stomach contents,” the autopsy report states. “He reportedly received ketamine infusion therapy to treat depression and anxiety.”

According to the report, Perry’s last known treatment took place a week and a half before his death and the ketamine that was in his system at the time of his death “could not have come from this infusion therapy, since the half-life of ketamine is three to four hours. , or less.”

According to the Drug Enforcement Agency, ketamine is a “dissociative anesthetic that has hallucinogenic effects.” It is often considered a “club drug” popular among youth and young adults at raves and EDM concerts.

The report also reveals that contributing factors to Perry’s death included “drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine.”

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “buprenorphine is the first medication to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) that can be prescribed or dispensed in doctors’ offices, significantly increasing access to treatment. »

The circumstances of the death were described as accidental (drug-related and drowning) and no signs of foul play were suspected.

“Drowning contributes because of the likelihood of submersion in the pool while falling into unconsciousness; coronary artery disease contributes due to exacerbation of ketamine-induced myocardial effects on the heart,” the report continues. “The effects of buprenorphine are listed as contributory, although not toxic, due to additive respiratory effects when present with high levels of ketamine. The autopsy showed no fatal blunt or penetrating trauma.

For most of his life, Perry spoke openly about his battle with drug and alcohol addiction.

After his death, his loved ones launched the Matthew Perry Foundation, which aims to help people fight drug and alcohol addiction.

“The Matthew Perry Foundation is the realization of Matthew’s enduring commitment to helping others struggling with the disease of addiction,” reads the website’s mission statement. “He will honor his legacy and be guided by his own words and experiences and motivated by his passion to make a difference in as many lives as possible.”

Ashleigh Jackson of Nexstar contributed to this report.