Nearly one year after Matthew Perry unexpected death at the age of 54, investigations continue into the former Friends star's death. Earlier this week, five people were arrested for their alleged involvement in the incident, and now, Matthew's stepfather — Dateline correspondent Keith Morrison — is speaking out in a statement he issued on behalf of the late actor's family. Keith said they're still "heartbroken" over the loss but are hopeful that justice will be served.
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On Thursday, police announced charges against five people in connection with Matthew's death.
In May, news broke that authorities were investigating the role that ketamine played in Matthew's death, and now, we know that their investigation didn't come up empty.
The Department of Justice has announced charges against multiple people, including two doctors and Matthew's personal assistant, according to People.
Now, his stepfather is speaking out.
The Dateline journalist issued a statement to People for his family after the charges were made public.
"We were and still are heartbroken by Matthew’s death, but it has helped to know law enforcement has taken his case very seriously," Keith said.
Keith and his family are hoping for justice.
"We look forward to justice taking its course and we’re grateful for the exceptional work of the multiple agencies whose agents investigated Matthew’s death," he said, per the news outlet. "We’re hoping unscrupulous suppliers of dangerous drugs will get the message."
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Keith first opened up about Matthew's death in March.
While speaking to Hoda Kotb on her podcast Making Space, Keith said the loss had been especially difficult on his wife, Matthew's mom Suzanne, because they'd been closer than ever before his death.
“He was happy, and he said so,” Keith said on the podcast. “And he hadn’t said that for a long time. It’s a source of comfort, but also, he didn’t get to have his third act, and that’s not fair. And as he said himself, ‘If if I suddenly died, people would be shocked, but not too many people would be surprised.’ And he was right.”
Authorities said the investigation exposed a 'broad underground criminal network.'
US Attorney Martin Estrada said in a media conference Thursday that the network provided "a large quantity of ketamine" to not just Matthew, but also other people.
"In the end, these defendants were more interested in profiting off Mr. Perry than caring for his well being," he said, per People.
