A hotel worker accused of supplying drugs to Liam Payne before the singer’s death in Buenos Aires on October 16, 2024, has reportedly surrendered to the authorities.
According to the Argentine newspaper La Nacion reports, 21-year-old Ezequiel David Pereyra turned himself in through his lawyer after police were unable to locate him.
Police reportedly executed an arrest warrant at Pereyra’s residence on the outskirts of Buenos Aires on Friday, January 3, but failed to find him. “After the raid, surveillance was carried out at a place where he was supposedly working and at other addresses. Under pressure, he went to see his lawyer and turned to the court,” a source told La Nacion.
Court documents cited by the outlet allege Pereyra provided cocaine to Payne on two occasions during his stay at the CasaSur Hotel: once on October 15 at 3:25 a.m. and again on October 16 between 3:30 and 4:00 p.m. The drugs were allegedly consumed by Payne in the hotel located at Costa Rica 6032.
Payne’s toxicology report, released on November 7 by Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office No. 14, indicated traces of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in his system within 72 hours of his death.
In December, five individuals were charged in connection with Payne’s death, including Pereyra and Braian Paiz, a waiter, who both face charges of drug supply. According to CBS News and the BBC, Paiz could face a prison sentence of four to fifteen years.
The hotel manager, Gilda Martin, and receptionist, Esteban Grassi, were charged with manslaughter for allegedly failing to ensure Payne’s safety. Martin is accused of not preventing him from accessing his room, which had a balcony deemed a “serious threat,” while Grassi allegedly instructed others to drag the intoxicated singer to his room instead of seeking help.
Roger Nores, Payne’s friend, has also been charged with manslaughter for reportedly neglecting his duty of care and abandoning Payne despite knowing of his struggles with addiction.
A funeral for Payne was held on November 20 in the English countryside, attended by his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, and his former One Direction bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan.
