Five individuals have been charged in connection with the untimely death of Liam Payne, the former One Direction singer, in Argentina. The 31-year-old passed away after a fall from a third-floor balcony at a Buenos Aires hotel on October 16. Authorities announced that the hotel manager, Gilda Martin, the receptionist Esteban Grassi, and Payne's friend Roger Nores are facing manslaughter charges. Additionally, Ezequiel Pereyra, another hotel staff member, and Braian Paiz, a waiter, have been charged with supplying drugs to the singer.
In Argentina's judicial framework, evidence is compiled by the prosecutor's office and presented to a judge for potential trial consideration. Judge Laura Bruniard has already indicated a willingness to advance the case, allowing the defendants' legal teams to appeal if they wish. The trial phase could commence if objections to the judge's decision do not succeed.
Court documents reveal that Pereira allegedly sold cocaine to Payne shortly before his death, while Paiz is also accused of providing the substance. The friend, Nores, faces manslaughter charges for supposedly neglecting his duty to assist the singer during a perilous state, ultimately abandoning him when he was vulnerable. The hotel manager is in a similar position, charged with failing to keep Payne safe, while Grassi is accused of enabling the dangerous circumstances leading to Payne's fall.
While the judge noted that none of the accused appeared to have premeditated the singer's death, their actions were deemed to create a significant risk to his life. If the defense's appeals are denied and they are found guilty, the potential penalties for manslaughter range from one to five years. Charges related to drug distribution carry heavier sentences of four to 15 years. Currently, the two individuals charged with supplying drugs are detained and will appear in court within 24 hours.
In response to the allegations against Paiz, his lawyer claims that his client poses no flight risk and is cooperating with the investigation. He disputes claims of drug dealing, stating that interactions between Payne and Paiz did not involve any financial transactions for drugs. The lawyer also reiterated that the media's portrayal of Paiz as a "dealer" is unfounded.
Post-mortem examinations indicated that Payne's death stemmed from multiple injuries, compounded by alcohol, cocaine, and antidepressants found in his system. The prosecution suggested that Payne's fall might have occurred while he was unconscious, leading them to rule out any voluntary action on his part.
Witness accounts suggest that Payne was in good spirits before his final moments, raising questions about the support he received from his friends. Emergency calls made by hotel staff indicate concerns over drug use leading to disruptive behavior prior to the tragedy. Payne rose to fame through his participation in The X Factor and was a member of One Direction until the group went on hiatus in 2016. The musician's funeral drew a significant outpouring of grief from friends, family, and former colleagues alike.
