The death of Liam Payne, 31, shocked fans worldwide and raised more questions than answers. Now, several individuals, including Payne’s close associates and hotel staff, have been charged in connection with the incident, which authorities initially suspected could have been a suicide. However, a thorough investigation into his death has ruled out that possibility, reported Daily Mail.
Argentinian news outlet Infobae reported that a judge has officially charged five people. Two of these people have been remanded in custody, facing serious accusations ranging from negligent homicide to supplying narcotics. Among those charged is Liam’s friend Rogelio ‘Roger’ Nores, who had reportedly left the singer alone at the CasaSur Palermo hotel an hour before his fatal fall. Nores, who initially denied any suspicion, now faces charges of negligent homicide, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation.
In a grim twist, Braian Paiz, a hotel waiter, has been charged with supplying narcotics to Payne in exchange for payment. Paiz, who admitted to using drugs, including cocaine, with the singer, denied having directly given him drugs but acknowledged his involvement in the situation. Similarly, Ezequiel Pereyra, a hotel employee, is also charged with drug-related offenses after allegedly delivering cocaine to Payne in a Dove soap box.
Hotel management isn’t escaping scrutiny either. Gilda Martín and Esteban Grassi, the hotel’s managers, have been charged with manslaughter after being implicated in the tragic event. Grassi, the chief receptionist, had made a 911 call moments before Payne’s fall, claiming the singer had been acting aggressively and asking for alcohol and cocaine. Authorities also uncovered text messages where Payne reportedly offered an escort $5,000 to ‘party’ just days before his death.
What makes this case even more chilling are the multiple reports that the singer had been battling substance abuse issues, which may have played a significant role in his demise. According to a psychiatrist’s email, Nores had been advised that continuing to support Payne, given his mental health struggles and the dangerous mix of antidepressants and alcohol, was no longer feasible. Despite this, Payne’s circle, including Nores, continued to engage in behavior that likely contributed to his tragic end.
Authorities have emphasized that Payne’s death was not a suicide. Tests revealed that he had alcohol, cocaine, and traces of an antidepressant in his system at the time of his fall. The singer’s state was described as ‘semi or total unconsciousness,’ which prosecutors believe explains why he fell from the balcony.
The investigation continues, with hotel employees and alleged drug dealers facing a potential manslaughter charge as the case unfolds. Recently, a photo emerged showing three men, including Grassi, carrying Payne back up to his room shortly before his fatal fall. This image has fueled speculation that the charges could soon escalate to manslaughter.
Witnesses to the tragic event, including tourist Bret Watson, have spoken out, describing the moment as something that will remain with them forever. Watson recounted, “It’s something that’s been burned into my brain and something I’m never going to forget.”
Meanwhile, Liam Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, who was with him just days before his death, is cooperating with police in their investigation. While not under investigation herself, Cassidy has expressed her desire for justice, saying, “Anyone who provided drugs to Liam should be prosecuted.”