November 28, 2024: The death of former One Direction member Liam Payne has taken a disturbing legal turn, with his family now exploring the possibility of private criminal action following his tragic fall from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo hotel in Buenos Aires on October 16.
Payne’s family has enlisted music industry veteran lawyer Richard Bray to initiate legal proceedings, with the aim of seeking justice for his untimely death at the age of 31.
The legal actions are being pursued in Argentina, where Payne passed away. Local prosecutors have ruled out self-harm or external intervention as the cause of Payne’s injuries, but the case is far from closed. Notably, two hotel staff members have already been charged with allegedly providing Payne with drugs, and one of his friends is a person of interest for not intervening to help him during the incident. The investigation has deepened further after shocking photographs were released, allegedly showing hotel staff manhandling Payne and locking him inside his hotel room just before his death.
According to Nicolas Durrieu, a criminal lawyer based in Buenos Aires, if these actions are confirmed, the hotel staff could face charges of “abandonment of a person,” which could carry an aggravated sentence of up to 15 years if a death is involved. Additionally, any individuals found guilty of drug distribution could face up to 12 years in prison. Payne’s family is considering bringing their own private criminal case, which is legally permissible in Argentina and could run independently or in parallel with the official investigation.
The newly surfaced images have been particularly concerning, as they suggest Payne may have been trying to escape from his room shortly before the fatal fall. A source close to the investigation told Page Six that it seemed “clear” that Liam was attempting to leave the room and return downstairs. Hotel staff reportedly used a master key to enter the room and force him back inside just before his death.
The Payne family has expressed their firm resolve to seek justice, with a source close to them stating they are “100 percent sure” that Liam’s parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, and his siblings will fight to hold those responsible accountable for his death.
This case continues to unfold, and with the recent revelations, it has taken a darker turn. The family’s decision to pursue private legal action shows their determination to uncover the truth behind Liam Payne’s death and ensure that justice is served. The Argentine authorities’ investigation, coupled with the Payne family’s own legal efforts, is sure to intensify in the coming weeks.