## Trial Date Set for ‘Ketamine Queen’ Accused in Matthew Perry Death Case
A woman alleged to have supplied actor Matthew Perry with a fatal dose of ketamine will face trial in Los Angeles this autumn, with proceedings scheduled to begin on 23 September following a judicial order issued this week. The defendant, 42-year-old Jasveen Sangha, stands accused of multiple offences relating to the distribution of ketamine—an anaesthetic increasingly used to treat depression—culminating in one charge linked directly to the “Friends” star’s untimely death.
Sangha, a figure prosecutors claim was dubbed the ‘Ketamine Queen’ by her clients, faces five charges in total, including the serious accusation of a distribution causing death. She has consistently denied all charges and has remained in custody since her arrest in 2024. The case is notable not only for its high-profile victim but also as it remains the only trial still proceeding after other defendants opted to cooperate with authorities.
Originally, her trial had been slated for 19 August, but following mutual agreement from both prosecution and defence, the session was postponed–the fourth such delay since Sangha’s indictment in April last year. Her defence team highlighted the enormous volume of evidence supplied by the prosecution as a key reason for the further deferment, stating they required additional time to fully investigate the circumstances and prepare an adequate defence.
Sangha emerged as a central figure in the investigation alongside Dr Salvador Plasencia, who last month admitted guilt to his part in ketamine distribution. Individuals from Perry’s inner circle, including his personal assistant, a close friend, and an additional medical professional, have also pleaded guilty and are collaborating with authorities while they await sentencing.
Matthew Perry, cherished for his role as Chandler Bing in “Friends,” was discovered dead at his Los Angeles home on 23 October 2023 at the age of 54. The actor, who had made no secret of his struggles with addiction and mental health, had been lawfully receiving ketamine therapy under medical supervision for depression—a practice becoming more mainstream, though still contentious in medical circles.
However, according to the prosecution, when Perry’s doctor became apprehensive about the quantity he was using and refused to provide further prescriptions, Perry allegedly sought to obtain supplies illicitly. It is claimed that Perry first accessed additional ketamine through Dr Plasencia, before ultimately buying from Sangha, who purportedly positioned herself as a dealer to celebrities, offering narcotics of especially high quality.
Court documents from plea bargains state that Perry’s assistant and friend acted as intermediaries, securing significant quantities of the drug for the actor. Notably, prosecutors say Perry purchased 25 vials of ketamine for $6,000 in cash from Sangha only days before his death—transactions which, they contend, included the fatal exposure.
The forthcoming trial is anticipated to attract significant public and media attention given both the involvement of a globally recognised celebrity and the ongoing debate surrounding the medical use of ketamine. The case also raises broader questions about drug misuse, the boundaries of legal prescription, and the shadowy networks that can circumvent established safeguards for controlled substances.
Sangha, for her part, maintains her innocence on all counts and is expected to contest the charges vigorously. Her solicitors argue that she has not been afforded enough time to adequately review thousands of pages of evidence, and they reiterate her commitment to a fair trial.
As the only major case to reach the trial stage after a series of plea deals by others connected to the matter, the outcome of Sangha’s hearing could have important implications for the prosecution of controlled substance offences in the entertainment industry and beyond. The extensive investigation and judicial scrutiny underscore growing concern about drug-related fatalities, particularly in high-profile scenarios.
With September now set as the new date for proceedings, attention will inevitably focus not only on the legal process but also on the implications for both narcotics regulation and celebrity culture in Los Angeles. The eyes of the public, and the industry, are certain to be watching closely.