2 Suspects Arrested in Connection with One Direction Star Liam Payne’s Tragic Death
One Direction star Liam Payne tragically passed away on October 16, 2024, after a fall from a balcony at the Casa Sur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires. The incident occurred shortly after 5 PM local time, leading to an immediate response from emergency services, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death resulted from multiple traumatic injuries, denoted as “polytrauma.”
Payne was on vacation in Argentina with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, prior to his death. The couple had attended a performance by Niall Horan in Buenos Aires. Cassidy returned to the U.S. three days before the incident, while Payne chose to extend his stay alone.
Investigation and Arrests Following Payne’s Death
In the year following the singer’s death, authorities arrested two individuals, Braian Paiz, 25, and Ezequiel Pereyra, 22, in connection with the case. Both men face charges for supplying cocaine to Payne in the days before his death. They have been in custody since January and deny any wrongdoing.
- Charges: Both men are accused of providing drugs to Payne on at least two occasions.
- Potential Sentencing: If convicted, they could face up to 15 years in prison.
- Security Footage: CCTV footage shows Payne in contact with Pereyra shortly before his fall.
Authorities conducted a toxicology report showing traces of cocaine, alcohol, and prescription antidepressants in Payne’s system. This evidence has raised questions about the events leading to his tragic fall.
Current Status of Defendants
Pereyra is currently held in Marcos Paz Prison, known for housing dangerous criminals, while Paiz is in a local police facility awaiting transfer to federal custody. Both maintain their innocence and express frustration regarding the slow progression of the case.
In an interview, Paiz mentioned their brief interactions, stating he felt the spotlight was unfairly placed upon him. His lawyer emphasized that Paiz did not gain from any alleged drug transactions with the singer.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Despite the charges, the legal process is moving slowly. Authorities continue to analyze over 800 hours of video footage and digital evidence related to the case. Relatives of Payne, including his ex-partner Cheryl Tweedy, remain hopeful that the defendants will eventually face trial as the investigation unfolds.
As this case continues to develop, many fans and family members are left awaiting answers to the circumstances surrounding Liam Payne’s untimely death.
