What does negligent homicide mean? Charges and list of arrests made in connection with Liam Payne's death explored

Argentinian authorities have charged several people in connection with former One Direction member Liam Payne's death. Citing sources with direct knowledge of the case, Infobae, a local Argentinian online newspaper, on Saturday, December 28, 2024, reported that five people face charges, including Payne's friend, Roger Nores, who is charged with negligent homicide.

The singer passed away on October 16 after falling from the third-floor balcony of the CasaSur hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. NPR, citing prosecutor Andrés Madrea, reported that Liam Payne's toxicology exam revealed his body had traces of "alcohol, cocaine, and prescribed antidepressant" in his system.

According to Shouse Law Group, negligent homicide (often referred to as involuntary manslaughter) occurs when a person acts in criminal negligence. This means that the person acts in a reckless way that results in a high risk of death or bodily injury, which otherwise a reasonable person would have known that their actions would cause.

For instance, if a driver killed a pedestrian while speeding through a residential neighborhood and ignoring stop signs, they could be charged with negligent homicide.

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Roger Nores left Liam Payne at the hotel just 40 mins before this death

According to the report by Infobae, Rogelio "Roger" Nores has been charged with negligent homicide for reportedly leaving Liam Payne at the hotel an hour before his death.

Nores is an Argentinian businessman who was allegedly banned by the singer's family from his funeral.

Braian Paiz, a waiter at the hotel who previously admitted to using drugs, including cooking with Liam, is facing charges related to supplying narcotics for payment. Meanwhile, fellow employee Ezequiel Pereyra is facing charges.

CasaSur hotel managers Gilda Martín and Esteban Grassi are both charged with manslaughter. Grassi is the receptionist manager, and Wass is the person who called 911 moments before Liam Payne fell off the balcony.

According to an October 2024 statement made by Argentinian officials to the Associated Press, an emergency call by a manager was made to the authorities about a guest under the influence of drugs and alcohol who was damaging his room.

He further urged them to hurry as the guest (Liam Payne) was in a room with a balcony and could do something to harm himself.

According to News.com.au, Nores refuted claims that he had anything to do with the British singer's death. Citing a statement made to The Sun, the publication wrote:

"I went to his hotel three times that day and left 40 minutes before this happened. I could have never imagined something like this would happen."

Nores continued:

"I haven’t spoken to any police officer or prosecutor ever since. I wasn’t Liam’s manager, he was just my very dear friend and please refer to the email I sent to Liam and his team on August 23rd."

Nores referenced his letter from August 2024, where he voiced his concern about Payne's well-being.

All the individuals have been summoned to court. It remains unclear whether any have been arrested at this time.

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In the days leading to his death, Liam Payne, along with his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, traveled to Argentina to attend fellow 1D bandmate Niall Horan's concert.

According to Payne's final Snapchat stories, the couple had a vacation in the country. Cassidy left the country just two days before the singer's death (she is cooperating with the investigation).