Liam Payne Death Case Remains Pending Two Years After Tragic Incident
Two defendants face drug supply allegations while the judicial process continues in Buenos Aires.
1Judicial Status Two Years Later
On October 16, 2026, the second anniversary of Liam Payne's death, no trial date has been set for the two remaining defendants. Braian Nahuel Paiz and Ezequiel David Pereyra face allegations regarding the supply of drugs. The legal process in Buenos Aires continues as authorities examine digital evidence and witness statements.
2Initial Charges and Legal Dismissals
Five individuals were initially charged following the singer's death at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel. In February 2025, a court dismissed criminal-negligence charges against Rogelio Nores, Gilda Martin, and Esteban Grassi. Furthermore, Nores was cleared of separate drug-supply allegations in July 2026, narrowing the scope of the ongoing judicial investigation significantly.
3Final Hours and Witness Accounts
Witnesses Aldana Serrano and Lucila Goitea provided sworn accounts regarding their visit to the hotel on October 16, 2024. Reports indicate an argument occurred over payment before they departed at 4pm. Surveillance footage later captured staff returning Payne to his room at 4.54pm, shortly before his death at 5.07pm.
4Conditions of Defendant Release
In March 2026, the Buenos Aires judiciary released Paiz and Pereyra under specific conditions. They are prohibited from leaving Argentina and must report to authorities during the first five working days of each month. Pereyra is also subject to additional restrictions regarding contact with witnesses involved in the ongoing legal case.
5Prosecution Stance on Causality
The judge's release decision noted that the prosecution found no direct causal link between the defendants' conduct and Payne's death. While this clarifies that the men are not currently accused of causing the fall, the separate drug-supply allegations remain active before the court, requiring further adjudication and evidence review processes.
6Defendant Statements and Interactions
Braian Nahuel Paiz admitted to meeting Payne at a restaurant and communicating online, but denied selling cocaine for payment. He claimed the singer requested substances during their interactions. These details, including accounts of intimate encounters, remain unverified claims by the defendant rather than independent proof of any specific illegal transactions.
7Ongoing Digital Evidence Analysis
Judicial sources confirmed that experts are currently examining three mobile phones belonging to Payne and the two defendants. This forensic work is critical for the prosecution's case, yet no timeline for completion has been provided. The absence of this analysis contributes to the delay in scheduling an official oral trial date.
8Complexity of the Legal Proceedings
The case highlights the distinction between vivid witness testimonies and formal court conclusions. While toxicology reports identified alcohol, cocaine, and antidepressants, they do not explain the cause of the fall. The judicial system must now navigate these complex allegations without a clear causal link, ensuring due process for the remaining defendants.