Liam Payne's 'heartbroken' pal denies he's being probed for 'abandoning' singer in hotel before his death
BUENO AIRES, ARGENTINA; After three suspects were charged by Argentinian police in connection with the death of One Direction star Liam Payne, a close friend of the singer, Rogelio 'Roger' Nores, has broken his silence and strongly denied the accusations that he abandoned Liam in the hours leading up to his death. He also refuted claims that police had raided his home in Buenos Aires.
The three suspects charged include an unnamed friend of Payne who accompanied the singer during his last days, a hotel employee, and an alleged drug dealer.
According to a description shared by authorities, it appeared to indicate that Roger, who accompanied Payne in the days leading up to his death, had been charged with "abandoning" a person followed by death. However, Roger denied being one of the three individuals arrested.
Rogelio Nores says he never abandoned Liam Payne
In a statement shared with the Daily Mail, Rogelio Nores fiercely denied claims that he was under investigation in connection with One Direction star Liam Payne's death.
“I never abandoned Liam,” Roger said. “I went to his hotel 3 times that day and left 40 minutes before this happened.” He explained, "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,” Roger added, expressing his disbelief. “I've given my statement to the prosecutor on October 17 as a witness and I haven't spoken to any police officer or prosecutor ever since.”
He concluded with an emotional message, saying, “I wasn't Liam's manager he was just my very dear friend and please refer to the email I sent to Liam and his team on August 23. I'm really heart-broken with this tragedy, and I've been missing my friend every day.”
An official statement released after Liam Payne’s death
In an official statement released following Liam Payne's death, Argentinian public prosecutors revealed that the singer's system contained alcohol, cocaine, and an antidepressant.
Despite earlier speculation suggesting that Payne may have taken his own life after a fall, the investigation led by prosecutor Andres Esteban Madrea confirmed that "unlawful conduct" was discovered in relation to his death.
The statement noted, "Three people were charged with the crimes of abandonment of a person followed by death, supply and facilitation of narcotics."
"From the beginning of the investigation and within a few days, exhaustive and meticulous actions and measures were carried out to clarify the circumstances surrounding the death of the artist," the statement continued.
Authorities disclosed that over 800 hours of CCTV footage were reviewed, and numerous statements were gathered from hotel staff, family members, friends, and medical professionals.
They also confirmed that Payne's mobile phone, hotel guest registry, and bar and restaurant orders had been thoroughly examined as part of the investigation.
Additionally, they verified that all necessary thanatological and laboratory studies were completed during the post-mortem process.
After detailing the 800 hours of CCTV footage, mobile phone analysis, and laboratory studies, the statement concluded: "As a result of the evidence gathered and after analyzing the various bodies of evidence and numerous documentary annexes and the background of the case, prosecutor Andrea Madrea formally charged three people, requesting their indictment and detention in a 180-page report presented last Friday before Judge Bruniard."
