A tragedy unfolded in South America when a British pop singer was found dead on the ground below his hotel balcony. Liam Payne had fallen to his death, and now, authorities are pointing fingers at who is to blame for the accident.
Who are the five people charged in the pop singer’s death, and what are they accused of doing?
A Career Cut Short
Liam Payne rose to fame at a young age. In 2010, the English singer-songwriter was on the British version of the X Factor television show at age 16. He was a part of a group that would go on to be a global success. One Direction would travel the world touring to adoring fans until the group disbanded in 2016.
At that time, Payne tried to launch his own career but began to struggle with drugs and alcohol, which would eventually play a role in his death.
In October 2024, Payne traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina to attend his former One Direction bandmate Niall Horan’s concert. He stayed in the country after the show, and on October 16, was seen heavily under the influence.
On that day, witnesses say they saw Payne in the reception area of Casa Sur, where he was staying as a guest on the third floor. Video footage also shows Payne unconscious in the reception area. The hotel receptionist, along with three others, dragged Payne from the lobby area to his room, per reporting by CNN.
A “representative” of Payne’s also helped him to his room before leaving him there on his own. Just 50 minutes after the representative left the room, Payne fell from his third-floor balcony and died from his injuries. He was 31 years old.
Who Is to Blame and Why?
Investigators believe two things contributed to Payne’s death: the substances he consumed and that he was left alone in his room with a third-floor balcony. Payne had alcohol, cocaine, and a prescription antidepressant in his system when he died. Authorities are blaming five individuals they feel put Payne in that dangerous situation.
Five people have been charged in Payne’s death in Argentina’s court system, according to reporting by NPR. Names have not been released, but the court system shared the relationship of each person to Payne and the situation.
Authorities charged three people with manslaughter. If convicted, they face up to five years in prison, per CNN. Each was charged due to their negligence in the situation. The Public Prosecutor’s Office accuses each of “leaving (Payne) to his fate, knowing that he was incapable of taking care of himself.”
- A “representative” of Payne is accused of knowing Payne was highly under the influence but leaving him alone in the hotel room.
- A hotel manager is accused of witnessing Payne unconscious in the reception area and allowing him to be moved to a room with a high balcony.
- A hotel head of reception is accused of guiding the people who took Payne to his room.
Two others were charged with supplying cocaine to Payne. A hotel employee and a waiter have been ordered to await trial in jail and are facing up to 15 years in prison.
The judge in the case has determined that each individual involved in the situation did not act in a coordinated or malicious intent, but that does not mean they won’t face consequences for their role in Payne’s death.
Related: If You’re Arrested for a Crime, Immediately Take These 6 Steps
What Are Manslaughter Charges?
It is not unusual for individuals to be charged with a crime if their actions lead to a drug-related death. In August 2024, five people were charged for their roles in the death of Matthew Perry. In that case, the individuals were charged with conspiracy to distribute narcotics.
In Payne’s case, the involved individuals were charged with manslaughter. The case is filed in Argentina, so it will meet the country’s legal standards and definitions for manslaughter, which may differ from federal and state laws in the United States.
In Florida, manslaughter is defined under Florida Statute 782.07 and refers to causing the death of another person by culpable negligence. Manslaughter charges differ from murder charges in that manslaughter is not premeditated. Manslaughter charges are used for cases where someone did not intend to kill someone, but their action or inaction led to the death of another person.
Related: Parents Charged with Manslaughter After Their Toddler Left in Car Dies
Talk to an Attorney About Your Case
A tragic death can lead to criminal charges against parties who may have contributed to or failed to prevent the situation that led to the death. It can also lead to a wrongful death civil case. If you are involved in either a criminal defense or civil case, make sure you seek legal counsel as soon as possible.
Talk to an experienced attorney who can guide you through the complicated legal process. TJ Grimaldi is here to help. With experience in both civil and criminal cases, TJ can support you in your legal fight. Request your free consultation or call 813-226-1023 to review your case with TJ today.
TJ Grimaldi joined McIntyre in 2011. McIntyre recruited TJ to create the divisions of personal injury and family law, as well as to expand the existing criminal defense practice at the firm. During TJ’s tenure at McIntyre, he has helped oversee and grow these practice areas. He continues to practice in these divisions while also expanding his own practice areas to include estate planning and immigration law. TJ is admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of Florida and the United States District Court for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.
