The criminal case surrounding Matthew Perry’s tragic death has reached a dramatic conclusion. On May 27, 2026, a federal judge in California sentenced Kenneth Iwamasa, the “Friends” icon’s former personal assistant, to 41 months in prison for his role in the actor’s fatal ketamine overdose.
The sentencing hearing quickly turned emotional. Perry’s loved ones delivered powerful victim impact statements that painted a troubling picture of trust, betrayal, and devastating consequences. At the center of the courtroom storm was a simple but haunting accusation: that Iwamasa abandoned the beloved actor when he needed help most.
For more than three decades, Kenneth Iwamasa was a trusted figure in Matthew Perry’s life. He began working with the actor in the early 1990s and eventually became his live-in assistant. His responsibilities extended far beyond scheduling appointments or managing daily tasks. He was expected to help support Perry’s health and sobriety.
“Here’s what I think happened, you knew he was dead, you got out of there and left him there,” Ferguson told the court. Her words reflected the deep anger felt by those closest to the Friends star.
According to Ferguson, Iwamasa later returned and called emergency services. She also alleged that he contacted a celebrity news outlet before dialing 911. While those claims fueled outrage in the courtroom, they underscored a larger theme repeated throughout the hearing: a belief that Perry was failed by someone he trusted.
How the Trusted Assistant Became Part of the Drug Scheme?
Investigators said he worked with doctors and drug suppliers to secure the drug for Perry during the final weeks of his life. Over just 11 days, authorities said he purchased 51 vials of ketamine through intermediaries connected to the conspiracy.
The situation became even more alarming when prosecutors revealed that a physician taught Iwamasa how to inject the drug. In Perry’s final days, he was reportedly administering ketamine injections six to eight times each day.
Judge Sherilyn Peace Garnett described the conduct as reckless and dangerous. The court found that Iwamasa ignored obvious warning signs despite knowing Perry’s long struggle with addiction.
On October 28, 2023, Perry reportedly requested what court documents described as a “big one.” Iwamasa administered another ketamine injection and then left the residence to run errands. When he returned, he found the actor unresponsive in a hot tub.
That decision to leave Perry alone became one of the most heavily criticized actions discussed during sentencing.
Family Members Speak Out
Keith Morrison, Perry’s stepfather and a longtime television journalist, echoed those sentiments outside the courthouse. He said he agreed with Ferguson’s assessment that Iwamasa left Perry to die. Based on the evidence presented, he said he could not reach any other conclusion.
The accusation carried particular emotional weight because Perry had reportedly nicknamed Iwamasa “Alfred,” a reference to Batman’s loyal and trusted butler.
Ferguson also claimed that after Perry’s death, Iwamasa rejected a $150,000 severance package and sought additional financial benefits. Her criticism ended with one of the hearing’s harshest remarks. “Matthew deserved to live, you don’t,” she told him.
Prosecutors argued that the damage did not end when Perry died. Court documents revealed that Iwamasa initially failed to tell police about the ketamine use when questioned about Perry’s medications.
Authorities also said he removed and destroyed ketamine bottles and syringes from the property. Investigators further alleged that evidence was deleted from electronic devices after the actor’s death.
Before learning his punishment, Iwamasa addressed Perry’s family directly. “I’m so sorry to all of you,” he said. “You all know how much Matthew loved you. I’m so sorry to have done illegal acts.”
The 41-month prison sentence officially closes the criminal proceedings involving all five defendants charged in connection with Perry’s death. In addition to prison time, Iwamasa must pay a $10,000 fine and complete two years of supervised release after leaving custody. He has been ordered to surrender to federal authorities on July 17, 2026.
