One of the three suspects being investigated for their alleged involvement in Liam Payne‘s death is speaking out weeks after the singer’s fatal fall.
During an interview with Argentina’s Telefe Noticias that aired Saturday, November 9, Braian Nahuel Paiz, accused of supplying Payne with narcotics, denied dealing drugs to the late musician. Paiz, a 24-year-old waiter, claimed he initially met Payne when he dined at the restaurant where Paiz works in Puerto Madero in the weeks leading up to his death.
According to Paiz, Payne “was already under the effects of drugs and he didn’t actually eat anything” at the restaurant.
He continued, “We swapped details and saw each other later that night. It was all normal.”
Paiz insisted, “I never supplied Liam with drugs,” adding that the pair arranged to meet at the “Hyatt in Palermo” on October 2. They met up again at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires on October 13.
“We took drugs together, but I never took drugs to him or accepted any money,” he claimed, saying that he still had the messages exchanged between himself and Payne to arrange their second meeting.
News broke on October 16 that the former One Direction singer died after falling from the third floor balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel. He was 31 years old. A partial autopsy showed traces of “pink cocaine” — a mix of methamphetamine, ketamine and MDMA — in his system at the time of his death, along with cocaine, benzodiazepine and crack.
The prosecutor’s office announced on Thursday, November 7, that three people — unidentified at the time — were charged with abandonment leading to death and the supply and facilitation of narcotics. Prosecutor Andrés Esteban Madrea requested the individuals’ deposition and arrest in a 180-page indictment submitted by Judge Laura Graciela Bruniard.
Nine raids were conducted as the investigation attempted to “reconstruct the days Payne spent” at CasaSur. “Judge Bruniard approved the prosecutor’s requested searches based on the presented evidence and took steps to notify the accused, prohibiting them from leaving the country,” a statement read. “Despite the weight of evidence — including visual, registry, medical, scientific, documentary, and testimonial evidence — investigators continue their work, including attempting to unlock Payne’s personal laptop and other seized devices.”
Investigators spoke with hotel staff, family, friends and medical professionals and reviewed more than 800 hours of security footage, further examining guest records and restaurant bills.
The prosecutor’s investigation showed “clear evidence of at least four instances of narcotics supply from third parties and other facilitation of addictive consumption by Payne’s direct circle during his stay at the hotel between October 13 and 16.”
Payne’s death was caused by injuries “consistent with a high fall,” including internal and external hemorrhaging, which ruled out the possibility of “self-harm or third-party involvement.” Payne showed a “lack of defensive posture upon impact,” suggesting that he “may have fallen in a semi- or fully unconscious state.”
Us Weekly confirmed on Wednesday, November 6, that Payne’s body arrived back in London on a flight from Buenos Aires. One day later, Payne’s friend Rogelio “Roger” Nores addressed his alleged involvement in the singer’s death.
“I never abandoned Liam. I went to his hotel 3 times that day and left 40 minutes before this happened,” he told the Daily Mail in a statement. “There were over 15 people at the hotel lobby chatting and joking with him when I left. I could have never imagined something like this would happen. … I’m really heartbroken with this tragedy, and I’ve been missing my friend every day.”
Payne is survived by his parents, two sisters and 7-year-old son Bear, whom he shared with ex Cheryl Cole.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
