Who Are the Doctors Charged in Connection With Matthew Perry’s Death? Details on Dr. Salvador Plasencia, aka “Dr. P,” and Dr. Mark Chavez

• Two doctors, Salvador Plasencia (known as “Dr. P”) and Mark Chavez, have been charged in connection with Matthew Perry’s fatal ketamine overdose in October 2023.
• Plasencia, a Santa Monica-based physician, allegedly supplied large quantities of ketamine to Perry and taught his assistant how to inject the drug, while Chavez provided Plasencia with ketamine obtained through fraudulent prescriptions.
• The doctors face serious charges, including conspiracy to distribute ketamine and falsifying medical records, with potential sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison.

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, aka “Dr. P”

Dr. Salvador Plasencia, a 42-year-old physician based in Santa Monica, California, is one of the key defendants charged in connection with Matthew Perry’s death.

Plasencia, known as “Dr. P,” faces an 18-count indictment that includes one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine, seven counts of distributing ketamine, and two counts of falsifying records related to the investigation.

According to the indictment, Plasencia learned that Perry wanted to purchase ketamine, a powerful anesthetic that has gained popularity as a recreational drug.

He then coordinated with another doctor, Mark Chavez, to obtain large amounts of the drug. Plasencia met with Perry and his assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, and taught them how to inject the drug. He also injected Perry himself, including once while they were in a parked car.

Prosecutors allege that Plasencia continued to sell ketamine to Perry even after learning that the actor’s addiction was “spiraling out of control.”

In a text message to Chavez, Plasencia wrote, “I wonder how much this moron will pay.” If convicted, Plasencia could face up to 120 years in federal prison.

Dr. Mark Chavez

Dr. Mark Chavez, a 54-year-old physician from San Diego, has agreed to plead guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine.

Prosecutors say Chavez sold ketamine to Plasencia and submitted a fake prescription in the name of another patient to access more vials of the drug, which he could then sell to Plasencia for distribution to Perry.

Chavez previously operated a ketamine clinic and also procured additional ketamine from a wholesale supplier. By pleading guilty, he acknowledges his role in the events that led to Perry’s tragic death.

The charges against Plasencia and Chavez are part of a broader investigation into Perry’s death, which also includes three other defendants: Jasveen Sangha (known as the “Ketamine Queen”), Kenneth Iwamasa (Perry’s live-in assistant), and Erik Fleming (an acquaintance of the actor).