Five people have been charged in Argentina for their alleged involvement in the tragic death of British singer Liam Payne, who died on October 16 after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, causing a variety of reactions from his fans due to the circumstances of his death. The news has generated shock worldwide, especially among fans of the former member of the successful band One Direction.
The investigation led by the Argentine National Prosecutor's Office points to Gilda Martín, manager of the CasaSur hotel, and Esteban Grassi, one of the establishment's employees, as responsible for manslaughter. According to authorities, both Gilda and Esteban had a duty of care regarding the safety of the place and the conditions in which the singer was found.
The Argentinian authorities detain 5 people in connection to the death of Liam Payne
Roger Nores, a businessman and close friend of Payne, also faces charges of manslaughter. Nores had previously stated that he spent time with the singer on the day of his death and left him in his room "playful and happy" approximately an hour before the fall.
In addition, two hotel employees, Braian Paiz and Ezequiel Pereyra, were accused of providing drugs to the artist. Authorities claim that these supplies would have occurred at least four times during the last 72 hours of Payne's life, contributing to his altered state.
A judge has ordered pre-trial detention for two out of the five defendants, who must appear before the court in the next 24 hours. The other three accused face legal restrictions, such as asset freezes of up to 50 million Argentine pesos and a prohibition from leaving the country.
The complex and tragic death of Liam Payne
The singer's autopsy confirmed that his death was the result of multiple traumas and internal bleeding caused by the fall. In addition, traces of alcohol, cocaine, and an antidepressant were found in his system, which could have contributed to his state of unconsciousness at the time of the accident.
On the day of the events, hotel staff made several calls to emergency services, reporting that Payne had consumed substances excessively and was causing damage in the room. This detail, along with the discovery of drugs and broken objects at the scene, has been crucial in the development of the case.