Argentinian authorities have made a significant development in the investigation surrounding the tragic death of Liam Payne, a former member of the globally renowned band One Direction. In an ongoing effort to uncover the circumstances of his demise, law enforcement has arrested one of the key suspects involved in the case.

The suspect, Braian Paiz, was taken into custody on Friday, January 3, as reported by CBS News. He is one of two individuals alleged to have provided illegal substances to Payne prior to his untimely death on October 16. The singer tragically fell from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires. A preliminary autopsy revealed that his death resulted from multiple traumatic injuries and hemorrhages caused by the fall. Furthermore, toxicology reports indicated the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in his system. Just before the incident, the hotel’s head receptionist made two urgent emergency calls; the first indicated that a guest was “trashing the entire room,” while the second expressed concern that the guest “may be in danger.”

On December 30, Paiz was officially charged alongside four others in connection with Payne’s death, as disclosed by Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office. Among those charged are hotel manager Gilda Martin, receptionist Esteban Grassi, and Payne’s acquaintance Roger Nores, all facing serious manslaughter charges. Additionally, hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra has been charged with allegedly supplying drugs to the singer, highlighting the complex web of individuals involved in this tragic incident.

Judge Laura Bruniard, overseeing the legal proceedings, stated, “Payne’s consciousness was altered, and there was a balcony in the room. The appropriate action would have been to ensure he was in a safe environment and accompanied until medical help arrived.” The judge emphasized that while the individuals involved likely did not intend for Payne to lose his life, their negligence and failure to act appropriately created significant risks to his safety and well-being. This commentary underscores the serious implications of the case and the responsibilities that come with managing guests in a hotel setting.

The legal consequences for those charged with manslaughter in this case are severe, potentially leading to prison sentences ranging from one to five years. Meanwhile, those accused of supplying drugs to Payne could face even harsher penalties, with sentences that may extend from four to 15 years, according to reports from the BBC. This situation highlights the grave implications of substance abuse and illegal drug distribution.

Payne’s passing was mourned across the globe, and he was laid to rest in November in the United Kingdom. His funeral service saw attendance from his former One Direction bandmates, his girlfriend Katie Cassidy, and his ex-partner Cheryl Cole, the mother of his son. This loss has deeply affected fans and the music community, emphasizing the tragic consequences that can arise from substance misuse and the importance of awareness surrounding mental health.