Liam Payne: Second suspect turns himself in after pop star’s death

A second suspect has been arrested following the death of British One Direction singer Liam Payne after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina in October. The 21-year-old former employee of the hotel in Buenos Aires turned himself in to the police, the newspaper “La Nación” reported, citing judicial circles. The man is accused of supplying Payne with cocaine. He would face up to 15 years in prison.

A few days ago, a 24-year-old waiter was arrested on the same charge. A judge ordered the two men to be remanded in custody at the end of December. A total of five people were charged, including a representative of the pop star and the hotel’s operator and head receptionist.

On October 16, at the age of 31, Payne fell from the balcony of a room on the third floor of a hotel in the Argentine capital Buenos Aires, where he had been a guest for three days. According to the prosecutor’s office, forensic experts believe it is likely that he passed out while trying to climb over the balcony railing. An autopsy showed he had alcohol and cocaine in large quantities.

Payne’s death caused great sadness among his fans around the world. At his funeral in England, many celebrities were among the mourners. The boy band One Direction has enjoyed great international success for several years since its formation on the talent show “The X Factor” in 2010. In 2016, the musicians put their collaboration on hold – there was never a comeback.