The tragic final hours of Liam Payne’s life have been outlined by a judge, as five individuals face charges in connection to his death. The Argentinian Public Prosecutor’s Office announced that three of the accused face charges of negligent homicide—a crime akin to manslaughter under UK law—while two others are charged with drug supply.
The 31-year-old pop star passed away after falling from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires on October 16, leaving the world stunned by the circumstances surrounding his untimely demise.
Negligent homicide in Argentina carries a potential sentence of one to five years in prison, while those found guilty of drug supply could face up to 15 years. Among those charged with negligent homicide is Roger Nores, described as Payne’s representative, as well as Gilda Martin, the hotel manager, and Esteban Grassi, a receptionist. Meanwhile, hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra and waiter Braian Paiz face charges for allegedly supplying drugs to Payne on two separate occasions during his stay.
The five accused have been ordered to appear in court as prosecutors delve into the events leading up to Payne’s death. According to a statement from the judge and public prosecutor, Payne had been “demanding” both drugs and alcohol during his time at the hotel.
On the evening of October 16, he was reportedly seen in the hotel lobby in an alarming state, described in court documents as “unable to stand” due to the “consumption of various substances.”
Witness accounts and evidence suggest that Payne was “dragged” to his hotel room by the receptionist and two others. The hotel manager is accused of permitting this to occur through “at least by omission.”
The judge stated that, given Payne’s “altered” state and the room’s access to a balcony, the responsible action would have been to ensure he was left in a safe environment under supervision until medical help could arrive.
Roger Nores, Payne’s representative, has also come under scrutiny for his alleged role in the events. The court accused Nores of leaving Payne in a “state of vulnerability,” despite being aware of the star’s history with addiction and the potential risks involved.
The judge argued that Nores had a duty to ensure Payne’s safety and could not rely on the hotel staff to act appropriately under the circumstances. The judge described Payne’s death as “foreseeable,” emphasizing the avoidable nature of the tragedy.
The prosecutor’s office has ruled out self-harm as a factor in Payne’s death, pointing to evidence suggesting he did not display reflexive movements to protect himself during the fall.
This detail led investigators to hypothesize that Payne may have fallen while in a state of semi or total unconsciousness. Court documents reiterated the theory that Payne had attempted to leave his room via the balcony, leading to his fatal plunge.
A toxicology report revealed the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in Payne’s system at the time of his death. Additionally, the post-mortem examination identified “multiple” injuries, as well as internal and external bleeding, as the causes of death.
Investigators discovered what appeared to be narcotics and alcohol scattered among broken furniture and objects in Payne’s hotel room, supporting the theory that he had experienced a substance-induced breakdown prior to the fall.
Payne’s death has shocked fans and the wider public, sparking conversations about addiction, mental health, and accountability. As the investigation unfolds, the charges brought against those allegedly involved shed light on the tragic circumstances that led to the loss of one of pop music’s most recognizable figures. For his loved ones and fans, the lingering question remains: could more have been done to prevent this heartbreaking outcome?
