The investigation into the tragic death of British singer Liam Payne has taken a significant turn. Ezequiel David Pereyra, a 21-year-old hotel worker accused of providing Payne with drugs prior to his fatal fall at the Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, has turned himself in to authorities.
Liam Payne, who reportedly fell from the hotel’s third floor into an inner courtyard on October 16, 2024, passed away in an incident that has left fans worldwide in mourning. Pereyra’s surrender, reported by La Nacion on January 7, 2025, followed a series of unsuccessful attempts by police to locate him after an arrest warrant was issued on January 3.
How Pereyra’s Arrest Unfolded
According to La Nacion, Pereyra turned himself in after negotiating through his lawyer, citing the intense pressure from law enforcement as a factor in his decision. Surveillance efforts at his alleged workplace and other locations had come up empty, prompting him to contact his attorney and subsequently surrender to authorities.
Pereyra’s arrest follows that of Braian Paiz, a former waiter, who was detained on January 3, 2025. Both men have been accused of selling drugs to Payne, a charge that carries a potential prison sentence of four to 15 years if convicted.
Other Suspects in the Case
In addition to Pereyra and Paiz, three other individuals have been implicated in the case: Rogelio Nores, who reportedly accompanied Payne in Buenos Aires to assist with his U.S. visa renewal; Gilda Martin, the CasaSur hotel manager; and Esteban Reynaldo Grassi, a receptionist at the hotel.
While Nores, Martin, and Grassi have not been detained, they face allegations of negligence related to Payne’s death. Judge Laura Bruniard, who is overseeing the case, has allowed charges to proceed against all five individuals. Nores, a friend of Liam Payne, has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that he never abandoned the singer. However, the court has accused him of failing to provide adequate care and assistance.
On December 27, 2024, Judge Bruniard ordered Pereyra and Paiz into preventative detention for their alleged roles in supplying drugs to Payne. After failing to voluntarily appear in court, arrest warrants were issued. In addition to drug charges, the court has imposed financial penalties on Nores, Martin, and Grassi, requiring them to pay $48,000 (50 million pesos) as provisions.
As the case progresses, Pereyra and Paiz remain the only two suspects in custody, with their court appearances likely to determine the trajectory of the investigation. Judge Bruniard has indicated that while Martin and Grassi’s actions were imprudent, there is no evidence of malicious intent.
This remains an active and evolving investigation. Stay tuned for further updates on Liam Payne’s death and the judicial proceedings surrounding this case.