Manslaughter charges against Rogelio "Roger" Nores and two hotel workers in connection with the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne have been dismissed by a court in Argentina. The decision comes after an appeal process, allowing Nores, along with hotel operator Gilda Martin and head of reception Esteban Grassi, to move forward without the threat of imprisonment. They had faced potential sentences of up to five years if convicted.
Payne tragically died on October 16, 2024, after falling from the balcony of his hotel room at the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires. Following his death, Nores, Martin, and Grassi were charged in December 2024, two months after the incident. However, the court’s recent ruling has cleared them of the manslaughter charges, though the charges against two other hotel employees, Ezequiel Pereyra and Braian Paiz, for allegedly supplying cocaine to Payne, remain active. They are currently in custody awaiting trial.
In a statement following the ruling, Nores expressed relief, stating, "I’m happy I’m now going to be able to travel to the UK and say goodbye to my friend." This sentiment reflects the emotional toll the legal proceedings have taken on him and the desire for closure after the tragic loss of Payne.
Court documents reveal that on the day of his death, Payne had been involved in a dispute with two women in the hotel lobby, and reports from cleaning staff indicated that the television in his room was broken. Toxicology reports showed that he had traces of alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system at the time of his death, which was attributed to "polytrauma" from multiple injuries.
The situation surrounding Payne’s death has drawn significant media attention, given his fame as a member of One Direction and the circumstances leading to his tragic end. The legal outcomes for the individuals involved highlight the ongoing issues surrounding drug use and the responsibilities of those in the hospitality industry.
As the case continues to unfold for Pereyra and Paiz, the focus now shifts to the implications of drug supply laws in Argentina, where supplying drugs can result in sentences of up to 15 years. The loss of Liam Payne remains a poignant reminder of the dangers associated with substance abuse and the impact it can have on lives, both of the individuals involved and their loved ones.