You’re now watching a tragic case unfold even further as two hotel workers face trial in Argentina for allegedly supplying Liam Payne with cocaine just hours before his untimely death. The former One Direction singer fell from a third-floor balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16 last year. Prosecutors claim he had used cocaine and other substances shortly before the fatal fall. These new developments confirm that the suspects, Braian Nahuel Paiz and Ezequiel David Pereyra, will now stand trial and could face lengthy prison terms.
Argentinian Prosecutors Move Forward With Drug Charges
According to Argentina’s public prosecution office, both men have remained in custody since January. They are accused of selling drugs to Payne on the day of his death. Prosecutor Andres Esteban Madrea formally requested their trial, citing strong evidence from the ongoing investigation. If convicted, Paiz and Pereyra could each face up to 15 years behind bars for their alleged role in supplying cocaine to the British artist.
The official statement from authorities named Paiz, 25, as a restaurant waiter who initially met Payne in Puerto Madero. Pereyra, 24, worked at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel where Payne was staying. Prosecutors allege that the men provided the singer with drugs while he was in room 310. They also confirmed Payne was under the influence of cocaine, alcohol, and psychotropic substances when he fell to his death.
Autopsy Reveals Cocaine, Alcohol, And Multiple Substances
The autopsy conducted by forensic medical specialists revealed severe internal and external injuries caused by blunt force trauma from the fall. Toxicology reports found ethyl alcohol concentrations as high as 2.7 grams per liter. In addition to cocaine, his system showed methylecgonine, benzoylecgonine, cocaethylene, and sertraline. Medical experts stated that cocaine had been consumed both nasally and through smoking.
Forensic findings further confirmed that Payne’s drug use occurred within 72 hours before his death and possibly just minutes before his fall. This timeline played a critical role in pushing charges forward against the two men. The public prosecutor’s office emphasized that this tragic death occurred while Payne was “in a proven state of intoxication,” directly linking the drug use to his fatal condition.
Only Two Suspects Will Go To Trial After Charges Dropped For Others
Although a total of five individuals were initially investigated, only Paiz and Pereyra will face trial. Three others, including hotel receptionist Esteban Grassi, security head Gilda Martin, and Payne’s friend Rogelio Nores, were cleared of manslaughter charges in February. The lower court judge overseeing the case reversed her earlier decision following an appeal. With those cases dismissed, the focus now rests solely on the two men originally accused of drug distribution.
Prosecutors allege that both Paiz and Pereyra played critical roles in supplying substances to Payne during his stay. The investigation is still centered around their involvement, and legal proceedings are expected to begin soon. No official trial date has been set, but sources close to the case believe it could start shortly. If convicted, the men face significant consequences under Argentina’s strict drug laws.
Braian Paiz Maintains Innocence, Claims He Only Shared Drugs
Speaking from jail, Paiz has continued to insist he did not sell drugs to the singer. In a prison interview with Argentinian outlet Infobae, he said he met Liam Payne at a restaurant where they exchanged Instagram details. Paiz admitted to sharing drugs with the pop star but denied ever selling narcotics. “I don’t know what I’m doing here. I’m a good person,” he said. “I shared drugs with Liam but I didn’t sell them.”
He described himself as a longtime drug user who began smoking marijuana at a young age. Paiz said he regrets sharing his contact information with Payne. “If I hadn’t, I’d probably be working today,” he explained. “I’d be studying, I’d be doing videos. Before meeting Liam, I participated in filming a music video for YouTube and other TV projects.” Paiz added that he misses his previous life and deeply regrets how things unfolded after that meeting.
Trial Could Define Accountability In Celebrity Drug Cases
The pending trial brings new attention to the responsibilities of those surrounding public figures in moments of vulnerability. Payne’s death was initially considered an accident, but the findings of the autopsy and surrounding evidence shifted the investigation toward potential criminal liability. For prosecutors, proving intent to sell drugs could be the decisive factor in securing a conviction.
This case also highlights the complex reality many celebrities face when battling substance abuse behind the scenes. Liam Payne, once known for his polished image and polished vocals as part of One Direction, had reportedly been working on rebuilding his career. His death shocked fans around the globe and has now left a legal trail that could alter lives far beyond his own.
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Via: Dailymail
