Five individuals have reportedly been charged in connection with the death of One Direction star Liam Payne in Argentina, according to local media outlet Infobae.
The charges, issued by an Argentinian judge, include negligent homicide and drug-related offenses. Two of the accused have been remanded in custody.
Among those charged is Payne’s friend, Rogelio “Roger” Nores, who allegedly left the singer at the CasaSur Palermo hotel about an hour before Payne fell to his death. Nores faces charges of negligent homicide.
Braian Paiz, a waiter who admitted to using drugs, including cocaine, with Payne, has been charged with supplying narcotics for payment. Additionally, hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra has also been charged with drug supply.
Hotel managers Gilda Martín and Esteban Grassi face manslaughter charges, and all five individuals have been summoned to appear in court.
Payne, 31, tragically died on October 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires. A police investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death revealed claims that he had been acting aggressively and may have been under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
A 911 call made on the day of Payne’s death indicated concerns about his behavior. Grassi, the hotel’s chief receptionist, alleged that Payne had persistently requested alcohol and inquired about obtaining cocaine, reportedly insulting staff who refused to assist him.
Text messages purportedly exchanged between Payne and an escort suggested he offered $5,000 (£3,900) to “party.”
Reports also indicate that a psychiatrist had previously warned Nores via email about the risks of mixing antidepressants with alcohol and advised against continuing to support Payne’s mental health under those conditions.
Paiz and Pereyra, the alleged drug suppliers, reportedly exercised their right to remain silent during a prior hearing. If convicted, they could face up to 15 years in prison for supplying narcotics for payment.
The investigation remains ongoing as the accused await trial.
