Liam Payne’s friend from Argentina is reportedly among three people who have been charged in connection with his death.
A hotel employee who worked in a maintenance role and an alleged drug dealer are the other two individuals that are facing charges, according to local news outlet La Nación. The friend was described as being a businessman but his identity was not revealed by local Argentine news outlets or authorities. He allegedly acted as if he was Payne’s manager. He was charged with abandonment for allegedly failing to notify Payne’s family that he had suffered a drug relapse, according to the Wednesday report. It was later determined that he was not one of Payne’s representatives, the outlet reported.
PARIS, FRANCE – MARCH 01: Liam Payne is seen on March 01, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/GC Images) Getty Images
The three individuals are facing various charges, according to La Nación.
Officials reportedly raided the Palermo hotel where Payne died Oct. 16, as well as number of other properties. Sources close to the investigation said eight homes connected to three defendants were also part of the raids.
Two women, who have been identified only with by the initials “L.” and “A.,” are part of the investigation, according to La Nación. It is alleged that Payne summoned the women to his hotel on an escort app called “Moans,” and they attempted to charge him the equivalent of $5,000, according to La Nación. It is claimed that Payne refused to pay and the three began to argue, which prompted a hotel manager to contact Payne’s Argentinian friend. He allegedly did not answer the call. The women have been called as witnesses and are believed to have been the last to see Payne alive. One of the women allegedly presented contradictory information to officials and is being scrutinized, according to La Nación.
LONDON, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 28: Singer Liam Payne attends the World Premiere of “I Am Bolt” at Odeon Leicester Square on November 28, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
The businessman is facing two to six years in jail, which can be increased to three to 10 years due to the fact that Payne allegedly died as a result of his failure to assist, according to Argentinian law, La Nación reported.
The three individuals in question are alleged to have supplied Payne with drugs. The former One Direction singer fell to his death from the third floor balcony of the hotel. Pink cocaine was detected in toxicology tests, sources said. (RELATED: ‘Manipulation Tactic’: Liam Payne’s Ex Claims They Had Chilling Conversations About His Death)
This investigation continues to unfold.
