Argentinian waiter Brian Nahuel Páez has been arrested for allegedly selling cocaine to singer Liam Payne just hours before Payne’s death. The man was taken into custody on January 3, just days after Argentina’s National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor’s Office filed charges against him. Paez could face between 4 and 15 years in prison.
Payne, 31, fell from his hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on October 16 and died. According to authorities he had traces of alcohol and pink cocaine in his system, which they described as “polydrug use of alcohol, cocaine and a prescription antidepressant in his system” within the 72 hours leading up to his death.
However, Payne rejected all allegations, stating that he used drugs with Payne, but said that he did not give drugs to the singer. According to him, he is a strong fan of Payne, who has been the vocalist for One Direction.
According to People, their lawyer Fernando Medio Facente appeared on the Argentinian show, El Diario de Mariana, where he said, “(Paez and Payne) talked about a lot of topics. In fact, he’s a lifelong fan of One Direction. “She had such affection for Liam and respected him that she took the opportunity to meet him at the restaurant where he worked.”
He added, “They exchanged messages, had long and fluid conversations, and they talked about a variety of topics. At one point they talked about meeting in person, having a good time, having fun, being intimate and private.” Talked.”
Murder charges have already been filed against five other people – the hotel manager, the receptionist and Payne’s friend – who allegedly failed in their duty and neglected to offer help to Payne in his weakened state.
Prosecutors have claimed that Payne sold cocaine to Payne twice on October 14, just two days before his fatal collapse. However, Fesente continues to defend Paez’s innocence.
Fans around the world were shocked by Liam Payne’s untimely death. He was buried on 20 November. His girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, and former One Direction bandmates Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, Harry Styles and Niall Horan attended his funeral.
Also read: Liam Payne’s final Netflix series Building the Band gets new updates, release decision awaited
