The tragic death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne death in Buenos Aires has led to criminal charges against five individuals. Authorities in Argentina have accused two employees of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel, Payne’s friend Rogelio “Roger” Nores, and two others of roles that allegedly contributed to the artist’s untimely demise on October 16, 2024.
The Charges
- Manslaughter (1–5 years in prison)
- Gilda Martin: Hotel manager.
- Esteban Grassi: Hotel receptionist.
- Rogelio Nores: Payne’s friend and travel companion.
- Drug Supply (4–15 years in prison)
- Ezequiel Pereyra: Hotel employee accused of delivering cocaine to Payne multiple times.
- Braian Paiz: Waiter alleged to have supplied drugs and partied with Payne.
Incident Details
Authorities reported that Payne, under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, attempted to climb from his third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel and fell to his death. An autopsy confirmed the cause of death as multiple trauma and internal bleeding, with high levels of intoxicants in his system.
Key Allegations Against Defendants
Rogelio “Roger” Nores
Payne’s close friend and travel companion, Nores, has been charged with manslaughter for allegedly failing to ensure Payne’s safety. According to prosecutors, Nores left the hotel about 50 minutes before the incident, despite Payne’s state of intoxication and vulnerability.
Prosecutors claim Nores should have sought medical attention for Payne or ensured hotel staff monitored him closely.
Hotel Employees
- Esteban Grassi (Receptionist): Allegedly organized Payne’s return to his room in a state of severe intoxication rather than ensuring medical intervention.
- Gilda Martin (Manager): Held responsible for allowing the unsafe handling of Payne in his fragile state.
Drug Suppliers
- Ezequiel Pereyra: Accused of delivering cocaine to Payne on two occasions.
- Braian Paiz: Allegedly sold drugs to Payne and partied with him before leaving to procure more cocaine. Paiz denies being a drug dealer, though he admitted to using drugs with Payne.
Judge’s Hypothesis
Judge Laura Bruniard concluded that Payne’s death was preventable, citing negligence by those around him. Evidence, including CCTV footage, showed Payne being carried to his room by three people shortly before the fall.
The judge hypothesized that Payne, in his intoxicated state, attempted to leave the room via the balcony, leading to his fatal fall. She noted that this risk could have been mitigated if Payne had been kept in a safe environment and monitored.
Statements from Defendants
Rogelio Nores
“I was a friend who loved him very much and did everything I could to help him. I never abandoned Liam and could not have imagined this tragedy,” Nores stated, denying any negligence.
Braian Paiz
In an interview, Paiz denied selling drugs to Payne, admitting only to using cocaine in his company. “I didn’t sell him drugs,” he asserted.
Impact and Context
Payne’s death highlights issues surrounding substance abuse, personal safety, and accountability among those responsible for his care. His history of addiction, as detailed by Nores, included multiple rehab stints and prior medical emergencies.
What’s Next?
The accused individuals face ongoing legal proceedings, with potential prison sentences ranging from 1 to 15 years if convicted. Meanwhile, Payne’s fans and loved ones continue to mourn the loss of a globally recognized talent whose struggles with addiction ultimately ended in tragedy.
