Five individuals in Argentina have been charged in connection with the death of Liam Payne, the former member of One Direction who passed away in October after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
Three of them are facing charges of negligent homicide, which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison. The other two face charges related to supplying drugs and could potentially be sentenced to four to 15 years in prison, according to the National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office in Argentina.
Payne died on October 16 after falling from the third floor of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires. Police responded to a call reporting an aggressive man who appeared to be intoxicated. Upon arrival at the hotel, they discovered Payne’s body in the courtyard and confirmed his death.
An investigation was launched shortly after. In November, three unnamed individuals were arrested on charges following the discovery of “illicit conduct,” as stated by prosecutors.
The five individuals charged recently were not named in the press release but were identified by their initials: “RLN,” “GAM,” “ERG,” “EDP,” and “BNP.”
RLN, believed to be Payne’s representative on the trip, along with hotel manager GAM and head of reception ERG, were charged with “culpable homicide.” This charge involves causing another person’s death through imprudence, negligence, lack of skill, or failure to fulfill duties. They could face one to five years in prison.
According to prosecutors, RLN allegedly left Payne at the hotel, GAM failed to prevent Payne from being taken to his room, and ERG asked others to assist in moving Payne to his room.
The judge determined that RLN was responsible for negligent homicide as the main perpetrator since they were entrusted with ensuring Payne’s safety. The hotel staff, including GAM and ERG, were not acting maliciously but were found to be reckless in assisting Payne to his room.
Both EDP, a hotel employee, and BNP, a waiter, were charged with supplying narcotics. Prosecutors allege that they provided cocaine to Payne in the days leading up to his death.
All five individuals have been summoned to appear in court within 24 hours, with the next phase of proceedings set to begin on Friday. Payne’s passing deeply impacted the music community, given his tenure in the popular band One Direction, known for their chart-topping hits and worldwide tours.
Representatives for Payne have not yet responded to requests for comment. Rogelio Nores, a friend who accompanied Payne on the trip to Argentina, denied any involvement in the events in a statement issued in November.
