Authorities in Argentina have filed charges against three unnamed individuals in relation to the death of former One Direction singer, Liam Payne, who passed away on Oct. 16 after falling from a third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires.
One of the individuals charged is accused of “abandonment of a person followed by death,” a charge that could lead to a prison sentence of five to 15 years. This person, identified by authorities as someone who spent significant time with Payne during his stay in Buenos Aires, is alleged to have failed to act appropriately in the moments leading up to Payne’s death.
The other two individuals are accused of supplying Payne with narcotics like cocaine. They face multiple charges of drug distribution. While the exact penalties for these charges have not been specified, narcotics offenses in Argentina typically carry severe consequences. One of the individuals charged with supplying drugs is reported to be a hotel employee, according to the prosecutor’s office.
All three individuals have been formally notified of the charges against them and have been prohibited from leaving the country.
The investigation into Payne’s death has been extensive, with authorities conducting nine raids in the region and interviewing a range of individuals, including hotel staff, Payne’s friends and family and medical and forensic experts. Investigators also reviewed over 800 hours of surveillance footage from both the hotel and nearby streets. A thorough forensic analysis of Payne’s cell phone was also carried out in an attempt to establish a timeline leading up to his death.
An autopsy was performed with toxicology results revealing traces of alcohol, cocaine and prescription antidepressants in Payne’s system. However, medical experts have confirmed that Payne’s fatal injuries were consistent with a fall, and not with any direct trauma related to drug use.
The information gathered during the investigation has been compiled into a 180-page report, which was presented to Judge Laura Bruniard, who is overseeing the case. Bruniard has approved the charges against the three individuals, though the investigation is ongoing as authorities continue to search for additional evidence, including access to Payne’s other personal devices.
Payne’s body has since been returned to his father, Geoff Payne, who had been in Argentina since the day after his son’s death.
