The family of former One Direction star Liam Payne is reportedly exploring legal avenues to seek justice following his tragic death in Buenos Aires. The singer, who fell from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo hotel on October 16, was 31 years old at the time of his passing. The family is considering bringing private criminal charges against those they believe may have contributed to the incident, according to sources close to the investigation.
On Tuesday, Liam Payne’s legal team appeared in court in Buenos Aires, signaling their intention to pursue justice. The family’s legal representative, Richard Bray, a seasoned music industry lawyer, has handed over his legal interests to a local law firm in Argentina. This move indicates that Payne’s family is preparing to be named as plaintiffs in any potential criminal case related to his death. This is the first time they have formally been involved in the ongoing investigation, which is still shrouded in mystery and controversy.
Recent revelations about the circumstances surrounding Liam’s death have added to the concerns of his family. Local prosecutors have ruled out the possibility of self-harm or external intervention by others in his injuries. However, a source close to the family claims that Liam’s parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, as well as his siblings, are determined to seek justice. “They are 100 percent certain they want to hold anyone accountable for his death,” the source added. Meanwhile, shocking photographs have surfaced showing the final moments of the singer’s life, raising further questions.
Authorities in Buenos Aires have already charged two hotel staff members with allegedly providing Liam Payne with drugs. Additionally, one of Payne’s friends is under investigation for failing to assist him during the critical moments before his death. New evidence has surfaced showing what appears to be hotel staff restraining Liam and locking him in his room shortly before his fatal fall. Though the timestamp on these images remains uncertain, they suggest the events leading up to his death may have been more complex than initially thought.
Criminal lawyer Nicolas Durrieu, based in Buenos Aires, explained that hotel staff could face charges of “abandonment of a person,” which could be classified as “aggravated” due to the fatal outcome. The potential punishment for such charges could carry a prison sentence of up to 15 years. Furthermore, individuals involved in drug distribution could face up to 12 years in prison. According to Durrieu, Argentina’s legal system allows victims’ families to initiate private criminal actions and investigations independent of public prosecutors, giving them significant control over the pursuit of justice.
This recent footage, which depicts Liam trying to escape his hotel room before his fall, only adds to the suspicion surrounding his death. A source who saw the footage believes that Liam was attempting to return downstairs and did not want to be confined to his room. Despite this, hotel staff allegedly used a master key to enter and forcibly return him to his room, leading to further questions about their role in the tragic incident. As the investigation continues, Liam Payne’s family remains resolute in their quest for accountability and answers.
