The tragic death of Liam Payne, on October 16 in Buenos Aires, continues to generate headlines as the judicial investigation progresses. The British singer, known for being a member of One Direction, died after falling from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur hotel, in the Buenos Aires neighborhood of Palermo. This Friday, January 3, Brian Paiz a 24-year-old former waiter, was arrested on charges of supplying narcotics to Payne in the days before his death.
Judge Laura Graciela Bruniard, in charge of the case, had issued a preventive detention order for Paiz and another person involved, Ezequiel Pereyra, an employee of the CasaSur hotel. While Paiz was captured by the City Police, Pereyra remains a fugitive. Both face seizures of $5 million and charges of supplying narcotics for consideration, a crime that could lead to them serving between 4 and 15 years in prison.
What charges does Braian Paiz face for his involvement in the case?
The researchers point to Brian Paiz as the person who supplied drugs to Liam Payne on two occasions, on October 14 and 15. The evidence includes chats and videos from security cameras. According to judicial sources, “In the messages, Paiz offered bags of cocaine to the singer, who traveled by taxi to pick up the substance.” After his arrest, Paiz faces an accusation for his alleged active participation in the events that led to the fatal outcome.
Braian Paiz admitted he delivered cocaine to Liam Payne. Photo: X
For his part, Ezequiel Pereyra, a hotel employee, is accused of having delivered cocaine to Liam Payne hours before his death. “In the videos, Pereyra is seen blocking the elevator door to make the delivery,” sources in the case revealed.
Who are the main defendants in the Liam Payne death case?
In addition to Paiz and Pereyra, three other people have been prosecuted. Roger Nores, a businessman who accompanied Payne in Buenos Aires, was charged with manslaughter and facilitation of narcotics. Although he does not face preventive detention, he has a $50 million embargo and is prohibited from leaving the country. Likewise, the hotel manager, Gilda Martín, and the manager, Esteban Grassi, face charges of manslaughter after failing to provide adequate assistance to Payne during his stay.
What did toxicology tests reveal about Liam Payne’s death?
Toxicology tests performed on Payne indicated traces of alcohol, cocaine and an antidepressant in his system in the 72 hours before his death. According to experts, the singer was in a state of decreased consciousness when he fell from the balcony of his room, which would rule out a voluntary or conscious action.
“The victim did not adopt a reflex posture to protect himself during the fall, which suggests a state of unconsciousness at the time of falling,” details the official report.
