Liam Payne’s Death Case: Argentine Court Drops Negligence Charges Against Three
Authorities in Argentina have ruled on the negligence case linked to Liam Payne’s death, dropping charges against three individuals. Here’s what we know so far.
An Argentine court has dismissed criminal negligence charges against three of the five individuals initially indicted in connection with the tragic death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne. Payne fell from a third-floor hotel balcony at the CasaSur Hotel in Buenos Aires last October. According to a ruling obtained by The Associated Press, the court found insufficient evidence to hold the three defendants responsible for his fatal accident.
A preliminary autopsy determined that Payne’s cause of death was due to multiple traumas and hemorrhages sustained from the fall. Additionally, a toxicology report detected the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in his system, which may have contributed to his condition at the time of the incident.
Who was cleared of charges?
The court ruled in favor of:
- Esteban Grassi, head receptionist at the CasaSur Hotel
- Rogelio Nores, an Argentine-American businessman who was with Payne on the trip
- Gilda Martin, the hotel’s manager
Fans paid tribute to Liam Payne across the globe. Photo: The Independent
Grassi had made two emergency calls before the accident—one reporting that a guest was “trashing the entire room” and another expressing concern that the individual “may be in danger.” Prosecutors accused Nores of failing to ensure Payne’s safety, but the court determined he had no legal obligation to monitor him. Martin and Grassi, who had helped escort Payne back to his room, were also cleared due to a lack of evidence directly linking their actions to the singer’s fatal fall.
Two remain in custody on drug-related charges
While three were acquitted, two other defendants remain in custody:
- Ezequiel David Pereyra, a former hotel employee
- Braian Paiz, a waiter who served Payne at a restaurant
Both are accused of supplying narcotics to the singer, a charge that carries a potential prison sentence of four to 15 years under Argentine law. Given the severity of the charges, the court justified their continued detention as prosecutors work to gather additional evidence.
Legal process and funeral details
Under Argentina’s judicial system, prosecutors compile evidence before a judge determines whether the case will proceed to trial. Meanwhile, Payne was laid to rest in November in the U.K., with his funeral attended by close family, friends, and former One Direction bandmates. His girlfriend Katie Cassidy and ex-partner Cheryl Cole, with whom he shares a son, were also present to pay their respects.