The ruling, reportedly dated February 19, surfaced the following day on February 20. It effectively clears Payne’s Argentine representative, the hotel manager and the head of hotel reception of any legal responsibility.
Ezequiel David Pereyra and Braian Nahuel Paiz, both employees of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel, remain in custody. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
An Argentine appeals court has dismissed involuntary homicide charges against three individuals initially accused in the tragic death of English singer Liam Payne. The ruling, reportedly dated February 19, surfaced the following day on February 20. It effectively clears Payne’s Argentine representative, the hotel manager and the head of hotel reception of any legal responsibility. Despite this development, the case is far from over.
Two others, Ezequiel David Pereyra and Braian Nahuel Paiz, both employees of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel, remain in custody. They are accused of supplying drugs to the former One Direction star. Legal proceedings against them will continue as authorities seek to determine their level of involvement, reports AFP.
According to prosecutors, Payne, 31, had consumed a combination of cocaine, alcohol and a prescription antidepressant before falling from the balcony of his Buenos Aires hotel room in October 2024. A preliminary autopsy report confirmed that Payne suffered “multiple trauma” and “internal and external haemorrhage.” The Buenos Aires Public Prosecutor’s Office has classified the case as a “doubtful death” as investigations continue.
Authorities reportedly suspect that Payne may have experienced an “outbreak due to substance abuse” before the fall. Police experts who examined his hotel room found narcotics, alcohol and signs of destruction, including broken furniture, reinforcing concerns that he was under the influence at the time. The prosecutor’s office further noted that Payne’s injuries suggested he did not attempt to protect himself from the impact, implying he may have been unconscious or severely disoriented.
The singer, who first rose to worldwide fame as part of the English-Irish boy band One Direction, had previously spoken openly about his struggles with substance abuse and the immense pressure that came with early stardom.
His untimely death sent shockwaves across the globe, prompting an overwhelming outpouring of grief from fans, family and former bandmates. Thousands gathered in vigils worldwide, paying tribute to the artist who had once been part of one of the biggest boy bands in history.
One Direction, one of the highest-grossing live acts of the 2010s, went on indefinite hiatus in 2016. Payne later pursued a solo career, releasing music and performing before his career took a downturn.
