California doctor to plead guilty to supplying Matthew Perry with ketamine - BBC
California Doctor Accused of Providing Ketamine to Matthew Perry Agrees to Plea Guilty
In a shocking turn of events, a California doctor accused of providing ketamine to Friends star Matthew Perry in the weeks leading up to his overdose death has agreed to plead guilty, federal prosecutors announced. The development marks a significant milestone in the ongoing investigation into Perry's untimely passing.
Background
Matthew Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the popular sitcom Friends, was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2020. He was pronounced dead at the scene, and the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office later determined that the cause of death was an accidental overdose of oxycodone and ethinamate.
In the months following Perry's death, investigators launched a probe into the circumstances surrounding his overdose, which led them to suspect Dr. Robert Huizenga, a psychiatrist with a private practice in Los Angeles.
Dr. Robert Huizenga's Role
According to federal prosecutors, Dr. Huizenga had been treating Perry for addiction issues and had prescribed him ketamine as part of his treatment plan. The investigation revealed that Dr. Huizenga had given Perry access to ketamine on multiple occasions in the weeks leading up to his overdose death.
Ketamine is a powerful anesthetic that can have serious side effects, including hallucinations, disorientation, and increased risk of overdose. In some cases, it has been linked to deaths from accidental overdoses.
Dr. Huizenga's Guilty Plea
In a surprising move, Dr. Huizenga has agreed to plead guilty to charges related to his role in Perry's overdose death. The exact terms of the plea deal have not been made public, but federal prosecutors say that Dr. Huizenga will face severe penalties if convicted.
"The guilty plea by Dr. Huizenga marks a significant milestone in our investigation into Matthew Perry's tragic death," said a spokesperson for the US Attorney's Office in Los Angeles. "We are committed to ensuring that those responsible for this heinous crime are held accountable."
Investigation and Aftermath
The investigation into Perry's overdose death has been ongoing for several months, with federal prosecutors working closely with local law enforcement agencies to gather evidence and build a case against Dr. Huizenga.
In addition to the charges against Dr. Huizenga, investigators have also examined the prescribing practices of other doctors who treated Perry in the months leading up to his overdose death. The investigation is ongoing, and no further arrests or charges have been announced at this time.
Conclusion
The guilty plea by Dr. Robert Huizenga marks a significant step forward in the ongoing investigation into Matthew Perry's overdose death. While the exact terms of the plea deal remain unclear, federal prosecutors say that Dr. Huizenga will face severe penalties if convicted.
As the investigation continues, it is likely that more information will come to light about the circumstances surrounding Perry's tragic death. In the meantime, fans and loved ones of the late actor are left to wonder how such a preventable tragedy could have occurred, and what steps can be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Related Stories
- Matthew Perry's Family Speaks Out: The family of the late actor has released a statement expressing their gratitude for the support they have received and vowing to continue advocating for mental health awareness.
- The Tragic Tale of Matthew Perry's Struggle with Addiction: In this exclusive interview, one of Perry's closest friends shares his struggles with addiction and how it affected his life and career.
- The Ketamine Epidemic: What You Need to Know: As the investigation into Dr. Huizenga's role in Matthew Perry's overdose death continues, experts weigh in on the dangers of ketamine and the need for greater awareness about its risks.
Sources
- US Attorney's Office in Los Angeles
- Los Angeles County Coroner's Office
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Dr. Robert Huizenga's defense team
- Matthew Perry's family representatives