A waiter accused of supplying Liam Payne with cocaine before the singer’s fatal fall from a Buenos Aires hotel balcony has been arrested and remanded in custody, officials confirmed today.
Arrest of Key Suspect
Braian Nahuel Paiz, 24, was taken into custody in Ingeniero Budge, a suburb of Buenos Aires, after failing to surrender within a 24-hour deadline issued by Judge Laura Bruniard. Paiz, along with hotel worker Ezequiel David Pereyra, 21, is accused of selling cocaine to Payne on two occasions before his tragic death on 16 October 2024 at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel.
Both men deny the allegations, though Paiz has admitted to taking drugs with Payne, insisting he did not sell them. If convicted, the accused face sentences of four to 15 years in prison.
Legal Battle and Defence Claims
Paiz’s lawyer, Fernando Madeo, has strongly criticised the case, claiming his client is the victim of a “witch hunt” by authorities under pressure to find scapegoats for the high-profile death of the One Direction star.
“They want to look for culprits at any price, violating constitutional rights and guarantees, and forming a ‘truth’ that turns out to be false,” Madeo said in an interview with America TV.
According to Madeo, Paiz was a lifelong fan of One Direction and had befriended Payne at a Buenos Aires restaurant where he worked. The lawyer maintains that the two exchanged messages and spent time together socially.
Manslaughter Charges for Hotel Staff and Friend
Paiz is one of five people charged in connection with Payne’s death. Hotel manager Gilda Martin, receptionist Esteban Grassi, and Payne’s friend Roger Nores face manslaughter charges under Argentine law.
Judge Bruniard ruled that while she did not believe the three men intended to cause Payne’s death, their actions created a serious risk to his life.
Prosecutors allege:
- Nores was responsible for negligent homicide, as he had assured Payne’s family of his safety but failed to seek medical assistance.
- Hotel staff reportedly saw Payne intoxicated in the lobby but failed to intervene or call for medical help.
- Security footage allegedly shows Payne unconscious, being dragged by three people to his room before his fatal fall.
Final Moments and Investigation
On the day of his death, Payne was reportedly unable to care for himself. Footage shows him being taken to his hotel room, where he later fell from the third-floor balcony. The judge noted that he should have been kept in a safe place with medical supervision.
Nores, who has denied all wrongdoing, remains banned from leaving Argentina as the investigation continues.
Tributes and Fallout
Payne’s sudden death sent shockwaves through the music world, with tributes pouring in from fans and former One Direction bandmates. The singer was laid to rest in Amersham, England, on 20 November 2024, with his family in attendance.
Ongoing Investigation
The legal battle over Liam Payne’s death is far from over. Prosecutors and defence lawyers continue to dispute the circumstances leading up to his fatal fall, with key testimonies and evidence still under review.
If convicted, the accused face prison sentences ranging from one to 15 years.
