One of the individuals involved in the trial related to the hotel incident resulting in the death of Liam Payne has been granted permission to be under home arrest with an electronic monitoring device. Braian Paiz, who had been in custody since January on charges of providing cocaine to the former One Direction singer prior to his fatal balcony fall, will now be under house arrest with an ankle tag.
Paiz, a waiter, had previously admitted to consuming drugs with Liam at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires but denied selling narcotics to him. Initially denied release from prison due to flight risk concerns, Paiz successfully appealed for house arrest with the ankle tag after citing health issues and family troubles during his nearly year-long incarceration.
Meanwhile, the other suspect, Ezequiel David Pereyra, who also faces drug charges, remains in jail. It is uncertain if Pereyra will seek a similar home arrest arrangement before their trial. Public prosecutors have not yet commented officially on the decision made by the appeal judges.
Paiz, in an interview from prison, disclosed mistreatment while in custody and shared challenges faced by his family due to extensive legal costs. Both Paiz and Pereyra are accused of selling cocaine to Liam, with potential prison sentences ranging from four to 15 years if convicted.
Paiz and Liam met at a restaurant where Paiz worked, shortly before the tragic incident at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel. Paiz has maintained his innocence, claiming he is being unfairly targeted. In a recent prison interview, Paiz revealed details of his interactions with Liam, including discussions held via Instagram and iCloud.
The trial date for Paiz and Pereyra is yet to be scheduled, with expectations that it may not occur until the following year. Pereyra is currently detained at Marcos Paz Prison, known for housing high-profile criminals, while the case against both individuals is reportedly supported by phone records, CCTV footage, and witness testimonies.
Lead prosecutor Andres Madrea confirmed that Paiz allegedly provided drugs to Liam on multiple occasions based on evidence obtained from Liam’s mobile phone. Three other individuals initially implicated in Liam’s death had their charges dropped earlier this year after an appeal overturned a lower court judge’s decision to prosecute them for manslaughter.