An Argentine federal appeals court has ruled that two defendants remain in custody while facing charges related to supplying narcotics to Liam Payne, the former One Direction star, who was found dead after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16. The court dismissed charges against three significant individuals, including Rogelio Nores, a businessman who was with Payne, and hotel employees Gilda Martin and Esteban Grassi. The ruling concluded that prosecutors failed to prove the defendants acted negligently when they helped Payne, who was heavily intoxicated, to his room.
A toxicology report indicated that Payne had alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system at the time of his death. Prosecutors had argued that Nores neglected his duty of care by leaving Payne alone while he was inebriated. However, the court found that he held no legal responsibility for Payne’s safety since he was outside the hotel when Payne fell. The remaining defendants, Ezequiel David Pereyra and Braian Paiz, have been ordered to stay in detention as they are charged with supplying narcotics, which carries a potential prison term of four to 15 years. Payne’s sudden death has saddened fans globally, highlighting his impact as a member of One Direction.