Will Liam Payne's friend face abandonment charges over One Direction star's death?

Buenos Aires, Argentina - As the investigation into the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne continues, a judge has confirmed that one of his close friends could face charges over the tragedy.

As the investigation into the death of Liam Payne continues, a judge has confirmed that one of his close friends could face charges over the tragedy.
As the investigation into the death of Liam Payne continues, a judge has confirmed that one of his close friends could face charges over the tragedy.  © JASON MERRITT / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

Roger Nores was with Payne at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel on October 16 – just hours before the singer fell three stories to his death.

According to TMZ, while Nores is not currently facing charges, a judge has allowed local prosecutors to continue their investigation into his actions on Payne's final day.

Nores reportedly told law enforcement that the British musician seemed "fine" when he last saw him about an hour before the fatal fall, which has raised red flags among prosecutors.

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In contrast to what the Argentine businessman claimed, Payne is said to have spent the entire day drinking heavily and taking drugs before his erratic behavior led hotel employees to drag him back to his room.

Investigators now believe that the Strip That Down hitmaker was likely trying to escape the room when he fell to his death.

Depending on how the case plays out, Nores could face charges of abandonment of a person followed by death in connection with Payne's passing.

Roger Nores has denied abandoning Liam Payne before fatal fall

Nores previously denied abandoning Payne in an interview with the Daily Mail in November, saying, "I went to his hotel three times that day and left 40 minutes before this happened.

"There were over 15 people at the hotel lobby chatting and joking with him when I left," he added.

Nores will have to stay in Argentina as the investigation into his friend's death continues, as his passport has been confiscated by authorities.

Payne's body was returned to the UK last month, and a funeral service – attended by all four ex-members of One Direction – was held on November 20.

Cover photo: JASON MERRITT / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / GETTY IMAGES VIA AFP

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