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A key suspect in the investigation surrounding Liam Payne‘s death has been arrested in Buenos Aires.
Braian Nahuel Paiz, a former restaurant waiter, was detained by Argentine authorities on Friday in connection with the former One Direction singer’s death, as reported by CBS News.
Paiz is one of two individuals accused of supplying and consuming drugs with Payne before his death on October 16, when the 31-year-old singer fell from a hotel balcony. A judicial officer ordered pre-trial detention for both alleged drug suppliers on December 30.
The judicial proceedings have expanded, with a total of five defendants now indicted. Two hotel managers and Payne’s alleged friend Roger Nores are facing charges of wrongful death.
Paiz was also an employee of the CasaSur Palermo Hotel where the tragic incident occurred.
Investigative reports from the Public Prosecutor’s Office describe Payne as visibly intoxicated and unable to stand in the hotel lobby on the day of his death.
Staff reportedly directed him back to his room rather than seeking medical assistance.
The autopsy revealed that Payne died from “multiple injuries and external bleeding”. Toxicology tests found “traces of alcohol, cocaine and a prescribed antidepressant” in his system before his death.
Fernando Madeo Facente, Paiz’s attorney, has been vocal about the case accusing international media of creating false narratives to “find or pinpoint a culprit” any way possible, per Variety.
Paiz has denied ever giving Payne drugs, however does admit to taking drugs with the singer. “I have messages where he’s offering me money because he was apparently used to offering money for everything but I never accepted anything,” he told local news outlet Telefe Noticias.
“I never supplied Liam with drugs. Liam’s first contact with me was at my place of work.
“We swapped details and saw each other later that night. It was all normal.”
Paiz will remain in jail while awaiting trial.
Lead image: Getty Images/Telefe Noticias
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