The judge stated that both the manager and hotel personnel did not adequately assist Payne in the critical moments leading up to his passing, as indicated in a statement released by the prosecutor’s office on Monday.
Payne, a British national, tragically fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires in October, at the age of 31.
Charges of manslaughter have been brought against Payne’s manager, the hotel manager, and the head of reception in connection with the death of the former pop star. If found guilty, they could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Additionally, a hotel employee and a local waiter are accused of supplying Payne with cocaine during his stay, facing potential sentences of up to 15 years. The judge ruled on Friday that they should be detained prior to their trial.
“Taking Payne up to his room in the state he was in was to put his life at risk,” the judge said in her decision, which was released with the prosecutor’s statement. “It was obvious that he was vulnerable.”
Payne's autopsy revealed that he had significant levels of cocaine and alcohol in his system at the time of his death, as stated in the report.
It is alleged that Payne acquired cocaine from a hotel employee and waiter on at least four occasions within a three-day span.
Surveillance footage from the lobby of the Casa Sur hotel, located in the upscale Palermo neighborhood, captured moments before Payne's death on October 16, showing him unconscious and being assisted to his room by three individuals.
The group was led by the hotel receptionist, who was later observed with the hotel manager in the corridor outside Payne's room, according to the report.
“Payne’s consciousness was altered and there was a balcony in the room. The proper thing to do was to leave him in a safe place and in company until a doctor arrived,” the judge said.
Evidence indicated that Payne attempted to exit his room via the balcony; however, due to his condition, he fell.
Payne's manager, referred to only by the initials "RLN," departed the hotel less than an hour prior to the incident. The judge contended that he should not have relied on hotel staff for Payne's safety.
As a result, the judge prohibited the manager, a US citizen, from leaving Argentina.
In 2010, Payne was part of a group of four contestants on the UK singing competition The X Factor, which formed the band One Direction. The group achieved global success before disbanding in 2016.
Following this, Payne pursued a solo career, with his most recent single released in March.