Matthew Perry death probe: Celebrity 'person of interest' identified as Charlie Sheen's ex Brooke Mueller
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Matthew Perry's death investigation has now drawn in Charlie Sheen's ex-wife, Brooke Mueller, who has been questioned multiple times by police. Mueller and Perry reportedly struck up a friendship during their time in rehab.
The 'Friends' actor was found dead in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner reported "high levels of ketamine" in his body. Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to treat depression and anxiety, with his last treatment occurring over a week before his death at the age of 54.
Why is Brooke Mueller being questioned in Matthew Perry's death?
Brooke Mueller is under questioning regarding Perry's death because she wasn't at her sober living facility when police searched it in May. She was out exercising but was said to be fully cooperative when she returned.
During the search, officers seized her iPhone and laptop. Though she wasn't arrested, the investigation has reportedly led her to seek legal counsel, as per Radar Online.
"She's hired lawyers and has had multiple meetings with law enforcement since they arrived at her sober living house with a search warrant. She’s being tight-lipped about the situation," the insider revealed. "It’s tough to say or know exactly what her role is [in Matthew’s death], but she’s adamant she had nothing to do with that."
In January, reports revealed that Sheen submitted court documents related to agreements made during their divorce. These included a custody arrangement where their teenage twins would live with Sheen, and Mueller would have flexible visitation.
Due to her history of substance abuse, Mueller agreed to several conditions, such as taking drug and alcohol tests whenever requested, and at least once a week. Additionally, in August 2023, she signed an updated agreement to continue weekly drug testing.
According to the documents, she also agreed to provide her attorney with the contact details of all her past drug suppliers, which would remain confidential unless she relapsed. This measure was considered necessary since surrendering her phones might not prevent her from contacting them if she wished, as per Radar Online.
Mueller and Perry developed an unexpected friendship after meeting in rehab. Mueller “had been in treatment with Matthew before, and they had a lot of ties in the acting community. It was an unexpected friendship, but they leaned on each other," an insider detailed.
Mueller has battled substance abuse issues for many years, much like Perry. In his memoir, the 'Friends' actor disclosed his extensive struggles with addiction, having entered rehab 15 times. "I lived half my life in one form or another of treatment center or sober living house," Perry wrote.
Law enforcement says 'multiple people' could be charged in Matthew Perry's death
According to People, law enforcement officials investigating Matthew Perry's ketamine-related death claim that "multiple individuals" are expected to face charges in connection with the incident.
They also mentioned that the investigation into his death is "nearing its conclusion," and soon the US Attorney's Office will decide whether to press charges.
Perry's autopsy report in December stated that he died from the acute effects of ketamine, with other contributing factors including drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine, a medication used in treating opioid use disorder. Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy at the time of his death, according to the autopsy.
A year before he died, he candidly discussed his struggles with addiction in his memoir 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing'. Perry stated, "I had to wait until I was fairly stable in sobriety and free from the active grip of alcoholism and addiction to put it all down. I was fairly certain it would benefit others if I did."
