Friday, October 25, 2024 – The popstar's
bodyguard Paul Higgins has been assisting police in reviewing security footage
at the hotel, alongside Payne's father.
Prosecutors said last week that they believed Payne was in 'in a state of
semi or total unconsciousness' during a substance-induced 'psychotic episode'
when he fell.
He died of multiple trauma injuries which had caused 'internal and
external haemorrhaging.' His 25 'life-threatening' injuries are believed to
have included a skull fracture.
Investigators have indicated they do not suspect any 'third party'
involvement but have made it clear the hunt is still on for his dealer amid
speculation someone from the hotel was supplying him.
Sources were quoted as saying 'the hotel must provide' more security
footage to investigators as well as information about employees, according
to Us Weekly.
Argentinian news portal Infobae reported earlier this week that forensic
experts had discovered traces of cocaine in Payne's body but tests had so far
proved 'inconclusive'.
Other unconfirmed reports originating in the US claimed a cocktail of
drugs including designer narcotic 'pink cocaine' - containing MDMA, ketamine
and methamphetamine had been found in his system during a partial autopsy,
along with crack cocaine and benzodiazepine.
The hotel raid involved Buenos Aires City Police belonging to a Special
Investigations Division, as well as a Technology Investigations Unit.
They spent most of their time in reception but officers are also
understood to have gone up to the third floor suite in which Payne had been
staying.
Argentinian TV reporter Guiliana Salguero said overnight: 'We understand a
person who was part of the hotel staff has been suspended after being linked to
the supply of drugs to Liam Payne.
'We'll have to see how that now plays out. It is a person who worked in
the hotel's restaurant.'
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