Judge set to sentence Matthew Perry assistant in ketamine death.
Kenneth Iwamasa, 60, of Toluca Lake, is set to be sentenced Wednesday for his role in the October 2023 death of actor Matthew Perry. Iwamasa, who worked as Perry’s live‑in personal assistant and received $150,000 annually, purchased and injected the ketamine dose that caused Perry’s death at the Pacific Palisades residence. He pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiracy to distribute ketamine resulting in death and will be the final defendant in a case that has already saw three others convicted.
Prosecutors seek a three‑year, five‑month prison term, far below the maximum 15‑year sentence. The defense argued that Iwamasa followed his employer’s orders and could not refuse to administer the drug. He had obtained the ketamine off‑books from physician Salvador Plasencia and acquaintance Erik Fleming, who used a street dealer. Plasencia and Fleming have been sentenced to two and two‑year terms, respectively, while dealer Jasveen Sangha received 15 years.
Perry’s family emphasized in written statements that Iwamasa was the primary responsible party, citing his trust as a friend and caretaker. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled ketamine the primary cause of death, with drowning as a secondary factor. Iwamasa’s court appearance marks his first public entrance following the case’s publicity.