People Arrested in Connection with ‘Friends’ Matthew Perry & ‘General Hospital’s Johnny Wactor’s Deaths: Details
Authorities have arrested several people for the deaths of actors Matthew Perry and Johnny Wactor. The arrests have captured the public’s attention, showing the devastating effects of crime and negligence.
Five people have been charged in connection with the death of Matthew Perry. The beloved actor passed away last October due to “the acute effects of ketamine.” U.S. attorney Martin Estrada announced the charges during a news conference.
Matthew Perry on January 30, 1999 | Source: Getty Images
The accused include Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, known as the “Ketamine Queen” of North Hollywood. They face 18 criminal counts for allegedly giving ketamine to Perry in his final weeks. Also charged are Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, Dr. Mark Chavez, and Perry’s acquaintance Eric Fleming.
Matthew Perry plays The Match Game on November 9, 2007 in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Iwamasa and Fleming admitted to conspiring to distribute ketamine, with Fleming also charged with distribution resulting in death. Chavez will plead guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, with his arraignment set for August 30. Iwamasa could face up to 15 years in prison, Fleming up to 25 years, and Chavez up to 10 years.
Matthew Perry attends the 46th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 8, 2004 | Sources: Getty Images
Estrada stressed that ketamine should only be administered by medical professionals and revealed that some defendants tried to cover up their actions after Perry’s death.
Estrada issued a stark warning to those who irresponsibly distribute and administer ketamine. “You are playing roulette with other people’s lives, just like these five defendants did to Mr. Perry,” he stressed.
Matthew Perry at the Los Angeles premiere of “17 Again” in Hollywood, California, on April 14, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
In another tragic case, four people were arrested for the murder of “General Hospital” actor Johnny Wactor. The LAPD made the arrests after executing search warrants throughout Los Angeles.
Johnny Wactor in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 2023 | Source: Getty Images
The suspects are Robert Barceleau, Leonel Gutierrez, and Sergio Estrada, all 18 years old, and Frank Olano, 22. Barceleau, Gutierrez, and Estrada were booked for murder, while Olano was charged as an accessory.
Johnny Wactor on “General Hospital” in 2021 | Source: Getty Images
Wactor’s death shocked fans and colleagues. Police say he was shot “without provocation” around 3:25 a.m. on May 25, after finishing his shift at a local bar. He was walking to his car when he encountered three people trying to steal his car’s catalytic converter.
The senseless nature of Wactor’s death has sparked demands for justice. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass emphasized the need to hold those responsible fully accountable for this heinous act.
