The former One Direction singer died on October 16 after falling from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur Palmero hotel in Buenos Aires. Argentine prosecutor Andrés Esteban Madrea, who is investigating Liam’s death, reported the arrest of three suspects, who are currently under official investigation. Authorities have not disclosed their names, but it is known that the detained individuals are accused of leaving a person in danger and drug trafficking. Crimes related to the illegal trafficking of prohibited substances in Argentina can result in up to 15 years in prison.
“Three individuals have been charged with leaving a person in danger, resulting in death, as well as drug trafficking. From the very beginning of the investigation, comprehensive and thorough actions have been carried out to clarify the circumstances surrounding the artist’s death,” said a statement from the prosecutor’s office.
According to toxicology reports, which have been handed over to Liam’s family, in the last 72 hours of his life, he consumed alcohol, drugs, and a prescribed antidepressant. Among the suspects is Payne’s friend, who accompanied him almost daily during his stay in Buenos Aires, as well as two hotel employees. The prosecutor’s office reported that 800 hours of surveillance footage were reviewed, and dozens of statements were collected from hotel staff, relatives, friends, and medical personnel. During the investigation, data from Payne’s mobile phone, the hotel guest registry, and orders from the bar and restaurant were analyzed. Necessary thanatological and laboratory tests were also conducted.
“As a result of collecting evidence and analyzing various materials, numerous documents, and the case history, Prosecutor Andrea Madrea officially charged three individuals, requesting their detention in a 180-page report presented to Judge Brunhar last Friday,” the statement continued.
Payne’s friend is accused of leaving a person in danger, resulting in death, as well as drug trafficking. The second accused, a hotel employee, is charged with supplying drugs to Payne during his stay at the hotel. The third individual is also accused of supplying drugs to the pop star on October 14. Searches were conducted at the homes of all three in the Buenos Aires Province.
An autopsy performed by the Forensic Medical Corps (CMF) revealed that the cause of death was polytrauma and internal and external bleeding. Investigators have ruled out the possibility of suicide. According to the autopsy results, Liam fell while in a “semi-conscious or unconscious state.” The singer’s body has been returned to his father, Jeff Payne, who has been in Argentina for the past three weeks following his son’s death. The body was then transported to the United Kingdom, where his funeral will take place in the near future.
