Three people have been charged in connection with the death of One Direction star Liam Payne in Argentina, the country’s Public Prosecutor’s Office said.
Three people were charged in connection with death of Liam Payne British pop star and former member of One Direction who died after falling from the balcony of his Buenos Aires hotel room last month.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed the news, with the prosecutor Andrés Madrea accusing the three suspects, whose identity has not been revealed, for the crimes of “abandoning a person after death” and “providing and facilitating the use of narcotics”.
Madrea also asked Judge Laura Bruniard to arrest the three, who ruled that those targeted could not leave the country.
Payne, 31, fell from the balcony of his room on the third floor of the hotel where he was staying, in the upscale neighborhood of Palermo, in the Argentine capital. The autopsy showed that he died of multiple injuries and bleeding.
Prosecutors also said Payne’s toxicology tests showed there were “traces of alcohol, cocaine and prescription antidepressants” on his body in the moments before his death.
Investigators said hours after Payne’s death that he was alone when he fell. But the prosecutor’s office revealed that one of the accused was often with the singer during his stay in Buenos Aires. The latter is a hotel employee who is alleged to have given Payne cocaine during his stay between October 13 and 16. The third is a drug dealer.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office also said that there is nothing to indicate that a third party was involved in the death and ruled out the hypothesis of “self-inflicted”.
The statement said Payne did not take a reflex position to protect himself from the fall, meaning he may have fallen “in a semi- or fully unconscious state.”
“Liam Payne was not fully conscious or had significant deterioration or loss of consciousness at the time of the fall,” he said.
He said that this would preclude the possibility of conscious or voluntary action since “in the state he was in, he did not know what he was doing and could not understand it.”
Local authorities collected, among other evidence, Payne’s cell phone records, forensic material and statements. The singer’s personal computer - which has been damaged – and other seized devices could not yet be unlocked.
There are some similarities between the charges in Payne’s case and the prosecutions in the United States as a result of the death of Friends star Matthew Perry a year ago. The actor’s personal assistant and longtime friend is among those accused of helping to supply him with ketamine in the final months of his life, which led to an anesthetic overdose.
Three young men were similarly charged in the 2018 opioid overdose death of rapper Mac Miller.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Maria Gonzalez, Criminal Psychology Expert
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Gonzalez. The recent tragedy surrounding Liam Payne’s death in Argentina has shocked fans around the world. Can you provide us with some insights into the psychological aspects that might have contributed to this tragic event?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: Thank you for having me. It’s indeed a tragic situation. In cases like this, the pressure of fame—combined with personal struggles—can lead to difficult choices. Liam was not just a pop star; he was a young man facing the weight of public scrutiny. The presence of narcotics in his system suggests he may have been seeking a way to cope with that pressure.
Time.news Editor: It’s reported that three individuals have been charged in connection with his death, accused of “abandoning a person after death” and “facilitating the use of narcotics.” What might their legal motivations be in such cases?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: Legally, these charges indicate a failure to act when someone is in distress. The act of abandoning someone posthumously raises ethical concerns about accountability. If they were indeed providing substances to Liam, their motivations could stem from financial gain or a misguided desire to be part of his circle without fully understanding the risks involved.
Time.news Editor: In light of the toxicology reports, which revealed alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants, how common is it for individuals in high-pressure situations to mix substances?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: Unfortunately, it’s more common than we might like to believe. People often mix substances in an attempt to escape from reality or to numb emotional pain. In Liam’s case, the presence of prescription antidepressants alongside illegal drugs points to a complex scenario of mental health struggles, substance abuse, and perhaps a lack of proper support.
Time.news Editor: Investigators initially stated he was alone when he fell, yet these charges imply there was at least some company. How does this change the narrative?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: It definitely raises questions about the environment he was in just before his death. Being surrounded by people who are either unable or unwilling to help can be incredibly isolating. It also points to a potential failure in the duty of care that friends or associates should uphold, especially in high-risk situations involving substances.
Time.news Editor: What advice would you give to friends and associates of individuals in the public eye, who may be facing similar struggles?
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: First and foremost, it’s important to create a supportive environment. If someone is showing signs of distress or substance abuse, it’s crucial to address it openly and encourage them to seek professional help. Being a good friend means being present and ensuring they know they are not alone, even amid chaos.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Gonzalez, for sharing your expertise on this sensitive and complex issue. It’s a reminder that celebrity lives often come with hidden battles that need our awareness and compassion.
Dr. Maria Gonzalez: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this. It’s vital that we all remain conscious of mental health issues in all walks of life, especially for those in the limelight.