Five individuals have been formally charged in relation to the tragic death of Liam Payne, the well-known former One Direction singer, who passed away on October 16 after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. This information was disclosed through a public announcement by Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office, shedding light on the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding this high-profile case that has captured public attention.

The individuals facing charges include hotel manager Gilda Martin, receptionist Esteban Grassi, and Payne’s friend Roger Nores, all of whom stand accused of manslaughter. Additionally, hotel employee Ezequiel Pereyra and waiter Braian Paiz have been charged with supplying drugs. Under Argentina’s legal framework, prosecutors are tasked with collecting evidence that will allow a judge to decide whether to advance the case to trial. Judge Laura Bruniard has taken the step of moving the case forward, though the defendants’ legal representatives may seek to appeal this decision. Should the appeal fail, the judicial process will continue, bringing the case closer to a trial.

Court documents have identified the suspects only by their initials. Notably, Payne’s friend, designated as “RLN,” is accused of manslaughter for allegedly neglecting his duty of care and abandoning Payne, despite being aware of his impaired state due to substance abuse. Similarly, hotel manager “GAM” faces manslaughter charges for failing to prevent Payne from being escorted to his room under dangerously unsafe conditions. Chief receptionist “ERG” is also charged with manslaughter for reportedly instructing others to take Payne to his room forcefully, rather than ensuring his well-being and safety during a critical moment.

Judge Bruniard pointed out the critical circumstances, stating, “Payne’s consciousness was altered and there was a balcony in the room.” The judge emphasized that the appropriate action would have been to keep Payne in a secure environment and ensure he had company until medical assistance could arrive. The individuals in charge at the hotel that day, specifically manager GAM and head receptionist ERG, were highlighted as responsible for the oversight that led to this tragic outcome.

The judge noted that while it is likely these individuals did not intend for Payne to lose his life, their choices and inactions created a substantial risk to his safety. “They were imprudent in allowing him to be taken to the room and taking him there respectively,” the judge concluded. “They created a legally disapproved risk, and Payne’s death is the direct result of that risk.” This statement underscores the serious implications of their actions in the context of legal accountability.

Should the individuals be convicted, the manslaughter charges carry potential sentences ranging from one to five years in prison. Conversely, the charges related to supplying drugs carry much harsher penalties, which could range from four to fifteen years, as reported by the BBC. Judge Bruniard has mandated that Pereyra and Paiz, the individuals accused of drug-related offenses, remain in custody and appear in court within a 24-hour timeframe, emphasizing the seriousness of their allegations.

Liam Payne’s death has been attributed to multiple traumatic injuries and hemorrhages stemming from his fall from the third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel. Toxicology reports indicate the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants in his system at the time of his passing. Prior to the tragic incident, the head receptionist made two emergency calls. The first call reported a guest who was “trashing the entire room,” while the second raised alarm that the guest’s life “may be in danger.” Despite these alarming reports, the receptionist only requested medical assistance, failing to involve the police, which raises questions about the response protocols in such crisis situations.

Last month, a solemn funeral for Payne was held in Amersham, UK, attended by his former One Direction bandmates, including Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik. The ceremony was also graced by the presence of his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, and ex-partner, Cheryl Cole, with whom he shares a son. This gathering not only paid tribute to Payne’s legacy but also highlighted the profound impact he had on the lives of those close to him, as they mourned the loss of a beloved friend and artist.