Liam Payne, January 2018.Photo:Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty
Chris J Ratcliffe/Getty
A hotel worker accused of supplying drugs toLiam Paynebefore theOne Directionsinger’sdeath in Buenos Aires on Oct. 16., 2024has reportedly turned himself in to the police.
Ezequiel David Pereyra, 21, reportedly negotiated his surrender through his lawyer after Argentinian police were unable to locate him, per Argentinian newspaper,La Nacion.
“After the raid, surveillance was carried out at a place where he was supposedly working and at other addresses, and under pressure, he went to see his lawyer and turned to the court,” a source toldLa Nacion.
CasaSur hotel n Buenos Aires.Luis ROBAYO / AFP/ Getty
Luis ROBAYO / AFP/ Getty
Liam Payne, pictured.Jeff Spicer/Getty
Jeff Spicer/Getty
Five people were charged in December in connection with the singer’s death including Pereyra and Braian Paiz, a waiter, according to multiple outlets includingCBS Newsand theBBC.
Both were charged with supplying drugs to Payne. Paiz’s lawyer Fernando Madeo Facenteconfirmed to PEOPLE, that he is facing between four and 15 years in prison.
Argentina’s prosecutor’s office also said on Dec. 31. that the hotel’s manager, Gilda Martin, and its receptionist, Esteban Grassi had been charged with manslaughter alongside Payne’s friend Roger Nores, the BBC reported.
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Liam Payne, pictured in the band One Direction.Gareth Cattermole/Getty
Gareth Cattermole/Getty
Martin has been charged with the crime for allegedly failing to stop Payne from going to his room where the balcony was a “serious threat” before his death, according to the BBC. Grassi is facing the same charge for allegedly asking three people to “drag” the singer to his room rather than helping to keep him safe, the outlet added.
Nores, meanwhile, is accused of “failing to fulfill his duties of care, assistance and help” after he allegedly “abandoned” Payne while knowing he suffered from “multiple addictions," the BBC reported.
Afuneralwas held for Payne in the English countryside on Nov. 20, with his girlfriendKate Cassidyand former One Direction bandmatesHarry Styles,Louis Tomlinson,Zayn Malik, andNiall Horanin attendance.
source: people.com
