Two Suspects Jailed in Connection With Liam Payne's Death: Who Are Braian Paiz and Ezequiel Pereyra?
The tragic death of Liam Payne, the British artist better known as a member of One Direction, in Buenos Aires has led Argentine authorities to prosecute five people in connection with the case. Two of them, Braian Paiz and Ezequiel Pereyra, have been placed in pre-trial detention for their alleged involvement in supplying illicit substances to the singer.
The investigation into Liam Payne's death
Judge Laura Graciela Bruniard, in charge of Criminal and Correctional Court No. 34 of Buenos Aires, ordered the prosecution of Paiz and Pereyra for supplying narcotics for profit, which carries sentences of 4 to 15 years in prison. Both remain detained without the possibility of bail and are awaiting trial.
Who are they:
- Ezequiel Pereyra: Employee at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel, where Payne was staying before he died. He is accused of facilitating access to forbidden substances for the singer during his stay in Buenos Aires.
- Braian Paiz: A 24-year-old former waiter who met Payne while working at a restaurant in Puerto Madero. Reports suggest he maintained contact with the artist and allegedly supplied cocaine to him on at least two occasions before his death.
Read more: Liam Payne's Ex-Girlfriend Sophia Smith Announces Engagement Two Months After Singer's Death
In addition to Paiz and Pereyra, three other people have been prosecuted in connection with Payne's death:
- Rogelio "Roger" Nores: A close friend and frequent companion of Payne during his time in Argentina. He is charged with abandonment of a person resulting in death and supplying narcotics. Nores has denied the accusations, saying that he visited the singer on the day of his death and did not foresee the tragic outcome.
- Esteban Grassi: Head of reception at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel. He faces charges of involuntary manslaughter for alleged negligence in the care provided to Payne before his death.
- Gilda Martín: The hotel manager. Also charged with involuntary manslaughter, she is accused of failing to take appropriate action to prevent the fatal incident.
The autopsy performed on Payne revealed the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and antidepressants in his system at the time of death. The forensic report concluded that the singer died due to multiple trauma and internal and external bleeding caused by a fall from the balcony of his third-floor hotel room.
The investigation ruled out foul play or self-harm, suggesting that Payne may have lost balance or consciousness before the fall.
--Originally appeared on 'Latin Times.'
