Five individuals have been charged in connection with the death of One Direction singer Liam Payne in Argentina, according to local authorities.
The singer passed away on 16 October after falling from the third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires. Argentina’s prosecutor’s office has charged the hotel manager, Gilda Martin, the receptionist, Esteban Grassi, and Payne’s friend, Roger Nores, with manslaughter.
Additionally, Ezequiel Pereyra, another hotel employee, and Braian Paiz, a waiter, face charges of drug supply. Under the Argentine legal system, the prosecutor’s office collects evidence to present to a judge, who then decides whether the case proceeds to trial.
As stated by the prosecutor’s office, Judge Laura Bruniard decided to advance the case to the next stage on Friday. The defendants’ lawyers have the right to appeal this decision. Should their appeals fail, the trial phase will commence.
In court documents, Judge Bruniard outlined the charges against the five suspects, identified by their initials in accordance with court document customs at this stage.
Hotel employee EDP is accused of selling cocaine to Liam Payne on 15 and 16 October. Waiter BNP is also accused of selling cocaine to Payne on two occasions on 14 October. Payne’s friend RLN is charged with manslaughter for allegedly neglecting his duty of care, assistance, and help towards Payne, having abandoned him knowing he was incapable of self-care and aware of his multiple addictions.
Hotel Manager GAM faces manslaughter charges for allegedly failing to prevent Payne from being taken to his room moments before his death. The court papers suggest that, given Payne’s condition, the balcony posed a “serious threat,” and the manager should have ensured Payne remained in a safe location until medical assistance arrived.
Chief receptionist ERG is also charged with manslaughter for allegedly instructing three individuals to “drag” Payne to his room, despite his inability to stand, rather than ensuring his safety.
Judge Bruniard stated that although she did not believe that Payne’s friend, the hotel manager, and the receptionist intended or planned Payne’s death, their actions posed a “risk” to his life.
If convicted, the three could face prison sentences ranging from one to five years. The charges for drug supply carry more severe penalties, ranging from four to 15 years in prison.
Judge Bruniard has ordered the remand of the two individuals accused of supplying drugs in custody, requiring them to appear in court within 24 working hours.
In November, toxicology tests revealed traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in Payne’s body, according to the prosecutor’s office. A post-mortem examination concluded that Payne died from “multiple trauma” and “internal and external haemorrhage” resulting from the fall from the balcony.
Medical reports suggested that Payne may have fallen while in a state of semi or total unconsciousness, ruling out the possibility of a conscious or voluntary act on his part, indicating that Payne was unaware of his actions.
After Payne’s death, police discovered substances and damaged furniture in his hotel room. Hotel staff had previously called emergency services twice, reporting a guest who had taken too many drugs and alcohol and was “trashing the entire room.”
Payne’s funeral was held last month in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. Among the mourners were his former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik, alongside Payne’s girlfriend Kate Cassidy and his former partner Cheryl, with whom he shared a son.
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