Gilda Martin, the hotel manager, and receptionist Esteban Grassi, along with Payne's friend Roger Nores, have been charged with manslaughter, as stated by Argentina's prosecutor's office. Additionally, Ezequiel Pereyra, a hotel employee, and Braian Paiz, a waiter, face charges for supplying drugs.
Under Argentine law, the prosecutor collects evidence and presents it to a judge tasked with determining if a trial should proceed. Judge Laura Bruniard decided to advance the case to the next stage, and defendants have the right to appeal. If the appeals are unsuccessful, a court trial will commence.
The court documents reveal that hotel employee EDP is suspected of selling cocaine to Payne prior to his death. Friend RLN is accused of manslaughter for allegedly neglecting his duty of care towards Payne, who was reportedly struggling with multiple addictions. Hotel manager GAM is similarly accused of manslaughter for not preventing Payne’s access to his hotel room moments prior to the fatal incident.
Judge Bruniard acknowledged she did not believe the accused had intended to harm Payne, but pointed out their actions had created a dangerous situation. If convicted, they could face prison sentences ranging from one to five years for manslaughter. Drug supply charges are more severe, with sentences potentially reaching 15 years.
Lawyer Fernando Madeo Facente, representing Braian Paiz, argued against pre-trial detention for his client, asserting he poses no flight risk and cooperated fully with authorities. He contested claims of drug dealing, stating that while drugs were consumed, there was no exchange of money.
Following toxicology tests, it was confirmed that Payne had alcohol, cocaine, and antidepressants in his system, with the autopsy indicating multiple trauma as the cause of death. Reports suggest that Payne likely fell while in a state of unconsciousness, ruling out any conscious decision-making.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Roger Nores described Payne as "playful and happy" shortly before his fall. Emergency services had been contacted regarding Payne's condition, noting that he was in a distressed state in his hotel room.
Payne skyrocketed to fame as part of One Direction after his stint on The X Factor, becoming one of pop's most recognizable faces. He recently was laid to rest in the UK, drawing mourners from his personal and professional life, including former bandmates and family.
Under Argentine law, the prosecutor collects evidence and presents it to a judge tasked with determining if a trial should proceed. Judge Laura Bruniard decided to advance the case to the next stage, and defendants have the right to appeal. If the appeals are unsuccessful, a court trial will commence.
The court documents reveal that hotel employee EDP is suspected of selling cocaine to Payne prior to his death. Friend RLN is accused of manslaughter for allegedly neglecting his duty of care towards Payne, who was reportedly struggling with multiple addictions. Hotel manager GAM is similarly accused of manslaughter for not preventing Payne’s access to his hotel room moments prior to the fatal incident.
Judge Bruniard acknowledged she did not believe the accused had intended to harm Payne, but pointed out their actions had created a dangerous situation. If convicted, they could face prison sentences ranging from one to five years for manslaughter. Drug supply charges are more severe, with sentences potentially reaching 15 years.
Lawyer Fernando Madeo Facente, representing Braian Paiz, argued against pre-trial detention for his client, asserting he poses no flight risk and cooperated fully with authorities. He contested claims of drug dealing, stating that while drugs were consumed, there was no exchange of money.
Following toxicology tests, it was confirmed that Payne had alcohol, cocaine, and antidepressants in his system, with the autopsy indicating multiple trauma as the cause of death. Reports suggest that Payne likely fell while in a state of unconsciousness, ruling out any conscious decision-making.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Roger Nores described Payne as "playful and happy" shortly before his fall. Emergency services had been contacted regarding Payne's condition, noting that he was in a distressed state in his hotel room.
Payne skyrocketed to fame as part of One Direction after his stint on The X Factor, becoming one of pop's most recognizable faces. He recently was laid to rest in the UK, drawing mourners from his personal and professional life, including former bandmates and family.
