Liam Payne’s untimely death in October 2024 sent shockwaves through the world, with investigations revealing a complex web of circumstances involving several individuals. The singer fell from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, prompting an inquiry into possible negligence, drug involvement, and abandonment. Five people have been charged, each facing serious allegations related to the incident.
The Initial Investigation and Charges
Payne’s death was ruled as resulting from “multiple traumas,” with an autopsy also detecting “pink cocaine,” methamphetamine, cocaine, and other substances in his system. The toxicology report raised significant questions about the events leading to his death, sparking an investigation that implicated hotel employees, a friend, and alleged drug suppliers.
In November 2024, the prosecutor’s office charged three individuals, whose identities were initially withheld, with abandonment leading to death and narcotics facilitation. By December, the scope of the case expanded to include five individuals: Payne’s friend Roger Nores, employees of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel, and two alleged drug suppliers. All were summoned to court, facing charges ranging from manslaughter to drug-related offenses.
The investigation underscored systemic failures, including the actions of those in Payne’s immediate circle and the apparent availability of drugs at the hotel. These findings set the stage for the legal battles that followed.
Braian Nahuel Paiz: The Waiter
Braian Nahuel Paiz, a waiter, was among the first suspects identified. Accused of supplying Payne with narcotics, Paiz denied dealing drugs but admitted to using substances with Payne. He claimed they met weeks before the incident at the restaurant where he worked and maintained that their relationship did not involve financial transactions for drugs.
Paiz openly offered to assist authorities, submitting his phone and testimony to aid the investigation. Despite his cooperation, he was formally charged in December 2024 and arrested in January 2025. If convicted, Paiz faces a prison sentence of four to 15 years.
Paiz’s case highlights the complexity of distinguishing personal involvement from criminal intent in drug-related charges. His admissions of drug use with Payne have made his defense particularly challenging.
Ezequiel Pereyra: CasaSur Employee
CasaSur Palermo employee Ezequiel Pereyra was also charged with supplying drugs to Payne. Investigators linked Pereyra to the distribution of narcotics that allegedly contributed to Payne’s death, leading to his arrest in January 2025, shortly after Paiz.
As an employee of the hotel, Pereyra’s role raises questions about the establishment’s environment and potential complicity in enabling drug use. While specific details of his involvement remain under scrutiny, his arrest adds another layer of accountability within the case.
Pereyra’s charges are emblematic of the broader investigation into how Payne obtained the substances found in his system and whether hotel staff played a role in facilitating access.
Roger Nores: Payne’s Friend
Payne’s close friend, Roger Nores, faced accusations of abandonment and manslaughter. Prosecutors allege that Nores left Payne in a vulnerable state, failing to prevent the tragedy. Nores, however, has vehemently denied these claims, stating that he visited the hotel multiple times on the day of Payne’s death and left him in a seemingly safe environment.
In court filings, Nores detailed Payne’s struggles with addiction, emphasizing the singer’s repeated but unsuccessful attempts at rehabilitation. He attributed Payne’s escalating drug use, including heroin, to the difficulties he faced despite seeking help.
Nores has not been arrested but remains under significant legal pressure. His defense centers on refuting allegations of negligence and pointing to Payne’s personal challenges as the primary factors leading to the incident.
Hotel Employees: Grassi and Martin
Two additional suspects, CasaSur employees Esteban Grassi and Gilda Martin, were charged with manslaughter. Grassi, a receptionist, is accused of instructing others to escort Payne to his room before his fall, while Martin, a hotel manager, allegedly failed to intervene to ensure Payne’s safety.
Neither Grassi nor Martin has been arrested, but their roles in the events leading to Payne’s death have drawn significant scrutiny. Their actions—or lack thereof—raise questions about the duty of care owed by hotel staff to their guests, particularly in high-risk situations.
The involvement of Grassi and Martin underscores the systemic failures that may have contributed to Payne’s tragic death, with the legal system tasked with determining their culpability.
The Pursuit of Justice
The legal proceedings following Liam Payne’s death continue to unfold, with the five individuals charged facing varying degrees of accountability. From allegations of drug supply to negligence, the case has spotlighted the challenges of assigning responsibility in a multi-faceted tragedy.
For Payne’s loved ones and fans, the pursuit of justice represents a vital step toward closure. However, the complexities of the case ensure that the road ahead will be fraught with legal battles and public scrutiny.
As the investigations progress, the legacy of Payne’s life and career remains a poignant reminder of the toll of addiction and the importance of accountability in preventing similar tragedies.
