A total five people have been charged in relation to the 2024 death of One Direction star Liam Payne, who died after falling from the third floor balcony of a Buenos Aires hotel on October 16.
Three have been charged with negligent homicide, and two others with supplying him with drugs, following a complex legal investigation into the tragedy.
NBC News Report: Five Charged In Liam Payne Death
According to The Guardian, Payne’s friend Roger Nores as well as two hotel workers – manager Gilda Martín and head of reception Esteban Grassi – are all facing negligent homicide charges for failing to act responsibly when the popstar was in a vulnerable state, due to intoxication.
Argentinian Judge Laura Bruniard further found that Payne didn’t accidentally “lose his balance” before falling from a balcony. Rather, he was trying to escape the building while in a drug-induced state.
A Night of Tragedy
The charges state that Nores abandoned Payne, who was visibly incapacitated, while Martín and Grassi allegedly allowed him to be taken to his room, despite his precarious condition. Prosecutors argue that this negligence directly led to the events that culminated in Payne’s fatal fall from the hotel balcony.
Another two individuals – Braian Paiz and Ezequiel Pereyra – face charges for supplying narcotics to Payne. They are accused of providing him with cocaine on multiple occasions, contributing to the intoxicated state that preceded his death.
Judge’s Perspective
Judge Laura Bruniard emphasized the responsibility of those charged, stating that their actions, whether through direct involvement or failure to intervene, created a dangerous situation for Payne. Autopsy results confirmed the presence of cocaine and alcohol in Payne’s system, painting a grim picture of his final moments.
The forensic analysis suggested Payne fell deliberately, likely attempting to leave the room via the balcony. His death resulted from multiple injuries after he hit a concrete umbrella on the hotel’s patio.
Legal Implications
The charges against Nores, Martín, and Grassi for negligent homicide could lead to up to five years behind bars, while the drug supply charges against Paiz and Pereyra carry potential sentences ranging from four to 15 years.
Payne’s Legacy
Liam Payne, who rose to fame with One Direction, leaves behind a legacy marked by his contribution to one of the best-selling boy bands in history. His tragic end in Buenos Aires now overshadows his career, as legal proceedings seek to untangle the events leading to his untimely death.
As the case progresses, fans and the public continue to mourn the loss of a beloved artist whose life was cut short under heartbreaking circumstances.
Further Reading
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