Update on Liam Payne’s Case

BUENOS AIRES — Liam Payne’s friend, Rogelio Luis “Roger” Nores, has been cleared of any responsibility regarding the singer’s tragic death in October 2024. Following the decision to drop the manslaughter charges, Nores has officially been exonerated, as confirmed by court records.

It’s been over 18 months since Payne’s fatal fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, and the investigation is still ongoing for two other individuals involved.

Nores, who is 38 years old, was accused of hosting and managing Payne’s expenses before the incident. According to his lawyer, Rafael Cuneo Libarona, there is no possibility of Nores being implicated again. He emphasized, “Roger was never responsible for taking care of Payne’s addiction. He was simply a friend.”

Nores was indicted on manslaughter charges in November 2024, with Payne’s father, Jeff, serving as a witness against him. Though the charges were dropped in February last year, Nores still faced a drug supply charge until it was also dismissed in April this year. The court ruled that Payne, at 31, was an adult capable of making his own choices regarding drug use, absolving Nores of any responsibility.

Investigators wanted to analyze Nores’ devices as well as those of two others after finding messages on Payne’s phone that hinted at drug-related requests. However, a judge dismissed this request, stating there was no evidence to suggest Nores had agreed to supply drugs.

Payne’s American girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, who was in Argentina with him, was summoned to testify about his state before the tragedy, but her request to appear was denied due to insufficient reason.

Meanwhile, two other individuals, Brian Nahuel Pais and Ezequiel David Pereira, are waiting for trial on charges of selling drugs to Payne. Reports indicate that a plea deal is in the works, which could lessen their charges to providing drugs without compensation, potentially resulting in a mere six-month prison sentence.

Both men have no criminal records and might not serve additional time in prison due to the mercy of their earlier sentences. “We will accept the offer,” Pereira’s lawyer mentioned.

Cheryl Cole, Payne’s former partner and mother of his child, is asserting her interests in the case, citing the need to protect Payne’s memory. So far, her legal team has not contested the rulings in favor of Nores or the others.

The investigation continues, with the latest court ruling allowing further forensic analysis of devices linked to the case. Two other hotel employees previously had manslaughter charges against them dropped.