Liam Payne hotel ‘drug dealer’ who went on the run after singer’s death hands himself into police
A HOTEL worker accused of selling One Direction star Liam Payne drugs before his death has handed himself into police.
A manhunt was launched for Ezequiel David Pereyra, 21, last week after he failed to comply with a judge’s orders and went on the run.
Pereyra is said to have negotiated his surrender to the authorities through his lawyer.
Police first tried to arrest him at his home on the outskirts of Buenos Aires on Friday through an arrest warrant from the courts.
Judge Laura Bruniard had ordered Pereyra and another alleged drug dealer was hauled into pre-trial custody.
After he refused to show up after 24 hours, judge Bruniard ordered his arrest.
He was soon labelled “a fugitive,” Argentinian site Infoabae reports.
The suspended hotel worker was not at his home on the outskirts of Buenos Aires on Friday when police went to execute the court order to arrest him.
Cops then swarmed his place of work as well all other known addresses.
He is said to have eventually gave himself up and agreed to meet officials at an agreed location.
A well-placed source told respected Argentinian news daily La Nacion: “After Friday’s operation a place where police believed he was working and other residential addresses were put under surveillance and because of the pressure he did the right thing with help from his lawyer.”
Pereyra was suspended from his job at CasaSur Palermo Hotel after Liam plunged to his death on October 16 from a third-floor balcony.
He was placed under investigation by cops who later charged him with supplying the former singer with drugs out in Argentina.
Public prosecutors confirmed late last month Pereyra was accused of “selling Liam cocaine on October 15 at 3.25am and between 3.30pm and 4pm on October 16″.
Pereyra was charged alongside Braian Nahuel Paiz, 24.
Both have been accused with supplying Liam with drugs in exchange for money.
Paiz was arrested after cops arrived at his home on Friday after a judge gave the hotel worker 24 hours to hand himself in.
His lawyer Fernando Madeo confirmed his client had been arrested but didn’t give any more details about what prison he would be taken to or when.
They could both face between four and 15 years if convicted.
Liam’s manager Roger Nores as well as the manager of the hotel and its head of reception have also been charged with negligent homicide.
It carries similar punishments to manslaughter in the UK.
Revealing harrowing details around the popstar’s death, judge Bruniard said Liam was moved to his hotel room after being in a bad state.
Bruniard said this decision “created a legally unacceptable risk to his life”.
The decision was reportedly taken by the hotel staff at the time.
Businessman pal Nores, 35, had been with Liam in the hotel but CCTV is said to show him leaving in the early hours of October 16.
Prosecutors claim it shows Nores “failed in his duty of care, assistance and help” to Liam – “knowing he couldn’t fend for himself”.
A toxicology report later revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine and a prescription antidepressant were found in Liam’s blood.
It comes as the grieving Payne family say they are pleading for “justice” after the charges were brought.
A friend of the family told The Sun: “It’s been a very difficult Christmas for them but they now just want justice for their son.
“Finally, after a horrific couple of months, there is a feeling like this could be possible.”
Liam had been in the South American country with girlfriend Kate Cassidy, 25.
She returned to the US three days before Liam died.
It is claimed he then turned to drink and drugs and had been involved in a series of arguments.
In the days after the horror, Liam’s heartbroken father Geoff, 66, visited the hotel.
He saw flowers and tributes left by fans, and remained in the country until he was able to repatriate his son’s body last month.
One Direction stars pay tribute to Liam Payne
LIAM'S former One Direction bandmates released a joint statement after his death, as well as emotional individual tributes to the tragic star.
They said: We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say.
But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.
The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us.
We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam. – Louis, Zayn, Niall and Harry.
Louis Tomlinson wrote: “His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on.
“Thank you for shaping us Liam.
“I want you to know that if Bear ever needs me I will be the Uncle he needs in his life and tell him stories of how amazing his dad was.
“I wish I got a chance to say goodbye and tell you one more time how much I loved you.”
Zayn Malik said: “Liam I have found myself talking out loud to you, hoping you can hear me, I can’t help but think selfishly that there was so many more conversations for us to have in our lives.
“I never got to thank you for supporting me through some of the most difficult times in my life.
“When I was missing home as a 17-year-old kid, you would always be there with a positive outlook and reassuring smile and let me know you were my friend and that I was loved.”
He added: “When it came to the music, Liam, you were the most qualified in every sense.
“I knew nothing in comparison, I was a novice child with no experience and you were already a professional.
“I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly.
“I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever”.
And Harry Styles wrote: “I am truly devastated by Liam’s passing.
“His greatest joy was making other people happy, and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it.
“Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.
“He was warm, supportive, and incredibly loving.
“The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend.
“My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew and loved him, as I did.”
Niall Horan said: “I’m absolutely devastated about the passing of my amazing friend, Liam. It just doesn’t feel real.
“Liam had an energy for life and a passion for work that was infectious. He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel – happy and secure.
“All the laughs we had over the years, sometimes about the simplest of things, keep coming to mind through the sadness.
“We got to live out our wildest dreams together, and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn’t happen often in a lifetime.”