Matthew Perrys Parents Condemn Doctor as Culpable Before Sentencing

The sentencing hearing for Dr. William Sowder, the physician charged in connection with the death of actor Matthew Perry, is proceeding. Perry’s parents, John Perry and Suzanne Morrison, have submitted a written statement to the court.

Main News

Matthew Perry was found deceased at his home on October 28, 2023. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later determined the cause was “acute effects of ketamine,” with contributing factors.

Dr. William Sowder, Perry’s longtime psychiatrist, has been charged with fraud. Federal prosecutors allege he wrote prescriptions for controlled substances in the names of acquaintances and a professional colleague so that Perry could obtain the drugs without seeing Dr. Sowder in person.

Dr. Sowder has pleaded guilty to the charge. His sentencing hearing is currently underway.

In a victim impact statement submitted to the court, Perry’s parents, John Perry and Suzanne Morrison, described Dr. Sowder as “culpable” for their son’s death. They referred to people who enabled their son’s addiction as “greedy jackals.”

Summary

Actor Matthew Perry died in October 2023 from the acute effects of ketamine. His psychiatrist, Dr. William Sowder, has pleaded guilty to a federal fraud charge related to improperly prescribing drugs.

Prosecutors state Dr. Sowder prescribed controlled substances for Perry under other people’s names. This allowed Perry to receive the medications without the required in-person consultations.

Ahead of Dr. Sowder’s sentencing, Perry’s parents filed a statement with the court. They held the doctor responsible, calling him “culpable” and using the term “greedy jackals” for those they believe enabled their son’s addiction.

The court is now determining Dr. Sowder’s sentence following his guilty plea.

FAQs

**What was Matthew Perry’s cause of death?**
Matthew Perry’s death was caused by the “acute effects of ketamine,” according to the medical examiner. Contributing factors included drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine.

What did Dr. Sowder plead guilty to?
Dr. William Sowder pleaded guilty to a federal charge of fraud. He admitted to writing prescriptions for controlled substances for Matthew Perry under other individuals’ names.

What did Perry’s parents say in their court statement?
In a victim impact statement, John Perry and Suzanne Morrison stated they believe Dr. Sowder is “culpable” in their son’s death. They also referred to individuals who enabled his addiction as “greedy jackals.”