Ezequiel David Pereyra, a 21-year-old hotel worker implicated in the death of Liam Payne, a member of the renowned boy band One Direction, surrendered to authorities in Buenos Aires after initially evading a court-ordered arrest. Pereyra’s surrender, negotiated through his lawyer, followed a concerted effort by police to apprehend him, including surveillance of his home, workplace, and other known addresses. The pressure mounted by the authorities ultimately led Pereyra to cooperate and meet with officials at a designated location. Pereyra’s legal troubles stem from his alleged involvement in supplying drugs to Payne before the singer’s tragic death on October 16th.
Payne, who had been staying at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel, fell from a third-floor balcony, prompting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his demise. Pereyra, who was employed at the hotel at the time, was subsequently suspended and placed under investigation. Argentine authorities formally charged Pereyra with selling cocaine to Payne on two separate occasions shortly before his death, once in the early hours of October 15th and again on the afternoon of October 16th. Another individual, 24-year-old Braian Nahuel Paiz, also faces charges for allegedly supplying drugs to Payne in exchange for money. Paiz complied with a judge’s order to turn himself in within 24 hours, unlike Pereyra, who initially went on the run.
Both Pereyra and Paiz face potential prison sentences of four to fifteen years if convicted. The charges against them are a significant development in the ongoing investigation into Payne’s death, which has left his family and fans devastated. The Payne family has expressed their desire for justice following the charges, hoping that the legal proceedings will shed light on the events leading to their son’s tragic end. They endured a difficult Christmas period, grappling with their grief and seeking answers about the circumstances of Liam’s passing.
Beyond the drug-related charges, the investigation has also implicated several other individuals connected to the hotel and Payne’s management. Liam’s manager, Roger Nores, along with the hotel manager and head of reception, have been charged with negligent homicide, a charge akin to manslaughter in the UK. Judge Laura Bruniard, who presided over the case, highlighted the hotel staff’s decision to move Payne to his room despite his impaired state, deeming it a “legally unacceptable risk to his life.” CCTV footage reportedly shows Nores, who had been with Payne at the hotel, leaving in the early hours of October 16th, leading prosecutors to accuse him of failing in his duty of care to the singer.
A toxicology report performed on Payne after his death revealed the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescribed antidepressant in his system. This discovery further complicated the investigation and underscored the potential role of substance abuse in the tragic events. Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, had left Argentina three days before his death, a period during which he reportedly struggled with alcohol and drugs and was involved in several arguments.
The death of Liam Payne sent shockwaves through the music world, prompting an outpouring of grief and tributes from fans and fellow artists alike. His former bandmates in One Direction released a joint statement expressing their devastation and highlighting Payne’s infectious energy and dedication to making others happy. Individual tributes from Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles, and Niall Horan further emphasized Payne’s talent, warmth, and the profound impact he had on their lives. The loss of such a vibrant and beloved figure serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the devastating consequences that can arise from substance abuse.
