Mark Chavez Admits Responsibility for Assisting Matthew Perry Chavez Is One of Five Suspects in the Case

In a new development in the case surrounding the death of Friends star Matthew Perry, a court in the state of California on Tuesday sentenced a Los Angeles-based doctor to eight months of house arrest after convicting him of supplying the late actor with ketamine in the months leading up to his death in 2023.

Doctor Mark Chavez admitted his responsibility for helping Matthew Perry—best known for his role as Chandler Bing—obtain ketamine through illegal means. Under the ruling, Chavez was also ordered to complete 300 hours of community service as part of the penalties imposed.

Chavez is considered one of five suspects in the case, according to U.S. judicial authorities, as part of a network suspected of exploiting the actor’s fragile health condition and repeated relapses.

Matthew Perry’s death in October 2023 shocked fans of Friends worldwide after he was found unconscious in his home jacuzzi, triggering widespread grief across Hollywood.

Perry had previously spoken openly about his long struggle with addiction and had undergone ketamine treatment under medical supervision for depression. However, although ketamine is legal for certain medical uses, it is sometimes misused for recreational or stimulant purposes, making the actor vulnerable to exploitation.