Five individuals have been charged in Argentina following the October 16 death of former One Direction star Liam Payne at the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires, authorities announced Monday. Payne, 31, died after a fatal fall from the third floor of the hotel, and charges now include manslaughter and drug-related offenses.
According to a press release from Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office, the hotel’s manager, Gilda Martin, receptionist Esteban Grassi, and Payne’s friend Roger Nores face manslaughter charges. Two other individuals—hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra and waiter Braian Paiz—have been charged with supplying cocaine.
Authorities allege that Pereyra sold cocaine to Payne on October 15 and 16, while Paiz is accused of selling it twice on October 14. Prosecutors claim Payne’s friend, Roger Nores, failed to provide care or assistance, abandoning Payne despite knowing he struggled with addiction.
The hotel’s manager, Martin, is accused of allowing Payne to be taken to his room in an impaired state, while receptionist Grassi allegedly instructed others to “drag” Payne to his room rather than ensuring his safety.
Charges and Potential Sentences
- Manslaughter charges against Nores, Martin, and Grassi carry potential sentences of 1–5 years in prison.
- Drug supply charges against Pereyra and Paiz could result in 4–15 years of imprisonment.
The case will move to trial unless appeals from the defendants’ lawyers are granted.
Prosecutors stated Payne was not fully conscious at the time of his fall and had traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system. They also ruled out self-harm or physical intervention by others as contributing factors.
A reconstruction of Payne’s last 72 hours in Buenos Aires revealed troubling patterns of polydrug use and negligence on the part of those around him.
In a November press release, three suspects were initially arrested and charged with abandonment of a person resulting in death and facilitating narcotics. Authorities described Payne as being in a diminished state of consciousness leading up to his fall.