What Happened
Liam Payne, the former One Direction singer, died on October 16 after falling from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Authorities have charged five individuals in connection with his death, including hotel staff and Payne’s close acquaintance.
The Charges
According to Argentina's National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office, the charges against the individuals include manslaughter and drug-related offenses:
Manslaughter Charges:
Gilda Martin (hotel manager) and Esteban Grassi (receptionist) are accused of neglecting their duty of care by failing to prevent Payne’s vulnerable state from escalating.
Roger Nores (Payne’s friend) is charged with manslaughter for abandoning Payne despite knowing he had multiple addictions.
Drug Supply Charges:
Ezequiel Pereyra (hotel employee) and Braian Paiz (waiter) are accused of selling cocaine to Payne on multiple occasions, including the days leading to his death.
Details of the Investigation
Prosecutors revealed that Payne exhibited signs of impaired consciousness during his stay. In his final 72 hours, traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant were found in his system. Investigators ruled out self-harm or physical intervention by others as contributing factors to his fatal fall.
The suspects allegedly played various roles in Payne’s tragic end:
Martin and Grassi allegedly facilitated Payne’s return to his room while in a compromised state.
Nores reportedly failed to assist Payne and left him unattended.
Pereyra and Paiz are said to have supplied the drugs involved.
Legal Proceedings
Judge Laura Bruniard has approved the prosecutions, though the defendants’ lawyers can appeal. If appeals are denied, a trial will proceed. Potential sentences range from 1–5 years for manslaughter charges and 4–15 years for drug-related offenses.
Background of the Case
Payne, 31, was in Buenos Aires between October 13 and 16. Following his death, authorities reconstructed his final days to uncover details of illicit activity. Early investigations led to arrests in November, focusing on neglect and drug supply. Officials have stated that Payne’s death stemmed from a combination of substance use and negligence rather than direct physical harm.
What’s Next?
The legal process will determine whether the accused will face trial and potential imprisonment. Appeals, if filed, may delay proceedings. Authorities continue to withhold further comments while the case develops.
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