Death of Robert De Niro's Grandson: Five Arrested
Robert De Niro at a photocall during the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Photo courtesy of Gabriel Hutchinson Photography under CC BY-SA 4.0.
When 19-year-old Leandro Anthony De Niro-Rodriguez was found dead in a Manhattan apartment on July 2, 2023, the news sent shockwaves through both the entertainment world and the public. As the grandson of legendary actor Robert De Niro, Leandro's tragic death from a toxic mix of fentanyl and other drugs was not only a heartbreaking loss for his family, but also a stark reminder of the deadly reach of the opioid crisis. Now, more than two years later, authorities have made significant progress in the investigation, arresting five individuals charged with selling the narcotics that led to Leandro's fatal overdose.
The Tragic Death of a Young Life
Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez was the only son of Drena De Niro, Robert De Niro's daughter from his first marriage. The young man had dabbled in acting himself, appearing in the 2018 film "A Star Is Born," but his promising life was cut short by a lethal combination of drugs. The New York City Chief Medical Examiner ruled that Leandro died from the toxic effects of fentanyl, bromazolam, alprazolam, 7-aminoclonazepam, ketamine, and cocaine, as reported by PEOPLE. The death was officially classified as an accidental drug overdose.
The loss was deeply felt by his family, with his mother Drena sharing a heartfelt message on Instagram expressing her grief and the challenge of moving forward without her son saying, "I don't know how to live without you but I'll try to go on and spread the love and light that you so made me feel in getting to be your mama," as reported by PEOPLE. She also alleged that someone had knowingly sold Leandro fentanyl-laced pills, a claim that would later be central to the investigation.
The Investigation Unfolds
The investigation into Leandro's death was complex and involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the New York Police Department (NYPD), Homeland Security, and the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Their combined efforts reportedly uncovered a fentanyl-distribution network that allegedly targeted teenagers and young adults in New York City, using social media to reach potential buyers.
The indictment, announced in Late October 2025, named five suspects: Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, Grant McIver, John Nicolas, and Roy Nicolas. These individuals are accused of conspiring to distribute fentanyl and other drugs that caused the overdose deaths of Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, Akira Stein (daughter of Blondie co-founder Chris Stein), and a third unidentified 19-year-old victim, as reported by Deadline.
According to the indictment, the defendants allegedly sold mixtures containing more than 400 grams of fentanyl, along with para-fluorofentanyl and alprazolam, in the form of counterfeit prescription pills, Deadline reports. These pills were deceptively marketed and sold to young people, with devastating consequences. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison, with the possibility of life in prison.
How the Arrests Came Together
The arrests are the result of a painstaking investigation that pieced together the distribution network behind the deadly pills. The suspects allegedly operated a sophisticated operation, relying heavily on social media platforms to advertise and sell their products to a vulnerable demographic. The indictment details a timeline of events over a three-month period in the summer of 2023. During this time, the pills allegedly sold by the defendants caused at least three deaths.
One victim, Akira Stein, had suffered multiple non-fatal overdoses before her fatal ingestion of fentanyl-laced pills allegedly purchased from John and Roy Nicolas. Another victim died after snorting a crushed pill laced with fentanyl and a potent analogue allegedly supplied by Grant McIver. Leandro's fatal overdose occurred less than a month later, after he ingested a pill allegedly purchased from one of the suspects involved in the distribution network.
The investigation also follows the earlier arrest of Sofia H. Marks, known as the "Percocet Princess," who was charged in 2023 with selling the drugs that caused Leandro's death, as reported by ABC News. Marks' arrest was a key early development in the case, highlighting the dangerous spread of counterfeit opioid pills in New York City.
The Broader Impact and Ongoing Crisis
Leandro's death and the subsequent arrests shine a light on the ongoing opioid epidemic that continues to claim thousands of lives each year. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid far more potent than heroin, has become a major driver of overdose deaths across the United States. The fact that these drugs are often disguised as legitimate prescription pills makes them especially dangerous, as users may be unaware of the lethal substances they are ingesting.
The involvement of high-profile victims like Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez and Akira Stein brings additional public attention to the crisis, underscoring that addiction and overdose can affect anyone, regardless of background or status. The arrests of the five suspects represent a significant step toward holding those responsible for distributing these deadly drugs accountable.
Unhappy Endings
The arrest of five individuals in connection with the overdose death of Robert De Niro's grandson marks a pivotal moment in a heartbreaking saga. It reveals the dark underbelly of drug trafficking in New York City and the devastating impact of fentanyl-laced pills on young lives. For those following the case, the combination of celebrity connection, tragic loss, and law enforcement's determined response creates a compelling and sobering narrative. As you reflect on this story, consider the broader implications for public health and safety — and the importance of staying informed and vigilant in the face of this ongoing crisis.
References: 5 Arrested in Connection with 2023 Overdose Death of Robert De Niro's Grandson | 5 Indicted In Overdose Death Of Robert De Niro's Grandson | 5 arrested in deaths of Robert De Niro's grandson and Chris Stein's daughter
