In a shocking development, Argentine prosecutors have announced the arrest and charging of three individuals in connection with the tragic death of former One Direction singer Liam Payne. The 31-year-old pop star passed away on October 16th after falling from a third-floor balcony at the Casa Sur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires.
The National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office released a statement on Thursday, charging the three suspects with various crimes related to Payne’s untimely demise. One individual, described as someone who spent time with Payne daily during his stay in the Argentine capital, has been charged with “abandonment of a person followed by death”—a charge that carries a sentence of 5 to 15 years in prison.
Authorities have accused the other two suspects of supplying Payne with illicit narcotics, including coThe prosecutor’s office has charged these two individuals, one of whom is a hotel employee, with two counts of “supplying narcotics.” tics.” The prosecutor’s office did not specify the potential sentences for these drug-related offenses.
Prosecutors stated that an in-depth investigation, involving the review of over 800 hours of video footage and dozens of interviews, determined that Payne’s fall was not an act of self-harm. Rather, they believe the singer was likely “not fully conscious or was experiencing a state of noticeable decrease or loss of consciousness” at the time he plunged from the balcony.
Toxicology tests revealed that in the moments before his death and for at least three days leading up to the incident, Payne had traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system. The prosecutor’s office emphasized that this combination of substances likely impaired Payne’s state of awareness, ultimately contributing to the tragic outcome.
“For the prosecution, this situation would also rule out a conscious or voluntary act by the victim,” its statement read. Investigators determined that Payne’s death was due to “multiple trauma” and “internal and external hemorrhage” from the third-story fall. An autopsy also confirmed that there were no signs of “self-harm of any kind” or indications that a third party was responsible for his demise.
The investigation has prohibited the three arrested individuals from leaving Argentina. Prosecutors say they are still working to access Payne’s personal devices in the hopes of gathering additional evidence and information.
This heartbreaking news has left Payne’s legions of devoted fans as well as the broader music community in a state of deep mourning. The charismatic singer, known for hits like “Strip That Down” and “Familiar,” rose to global fame as a member of the blockbuster boy band One Direction.
In the wake of this tragedy, questions linger about the circumstances surrounding Payne’s final moments and the troubling details that have now come to light. We hope that the legal process will serve justice and provide some measure of closure to Payne’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.