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The tragic death of Liam Payne, the British artist better known as a member of One Direction, in Buenos Aires has prompted Argentine authorities to prosecute five people in connection with the case. Two of them, Braian Paiz and Ezequiel Pereyra, were detained pre-trial for their alleged involvement in supplying illegal substances to the singer.
Judge Laura Graciela Bruniard, in charge of the 34th Criminal and Correctional Court of Buenos Aires, ordered the indictment of Paiz and Pereyra for supplying drugs for profit, which carries a sentence of four to 15 years in prison. Both remain detained without the possibility of bail and are awaiting trial.
Who are they:
Ezequiel Pereyra: Employee at the CasaSur Palermo hotel, where Payne stayed before his death. He was accused of facilitating access to banned substances for the singer during his time in Buenos Aires. Braian Paiz: A 24-year-old former waiter who met Payne while working at a restaurant in Puerto Madero. Reports suggest he maintained contact with the artist and allegedly supplied him with cocaine at least twice before his death.
In addition to Paiz and Pereyra, three other people have been indicted in connection with Payne’s death:
Rogelio “Roger” Nores: A close friend and constant companion of Payne during his time in Argentina. He was charged with abandoning a person causing death and supplying drugs. Nores has denied the allegations, saying he visited the singer on the day he died and did not foresee the tragic outcome. Esteban Grassi: Head of reception at CasaSur Palermo hotel. He faces a charge of involuntary manslaughter for his alleged negligence in the care of Payne before his death. Gilda Martín: Hotel manager. Also charged with involuntary manslaughter, she is accused of failing to take appropriate action to prevent the fatal incident.
The hotel where Liam Payne spent his last days and met his tragic end
An autopsy performed on Payne revealed the presence of alcohol, cocaine and antidepressants in his body at the time of death. The forensic report concluded that the male singer died from multiple injuries, internal and external bleeding due to a fall from the third-floor hotel room balcony.
The investigation ruled out foul play or self-harm, suggesting Payne may have lost his balance or consciousness before falling.
– Originally published in the Latin Times.
Tags Liam Payne, Drugs