Arrests Linked to 2023 Overdose Death of Robert De Niro’s Grandson
Several arrests have been made in connection with the overdose death of Leandro Anthony De Niro-Rodriguez, the grandson of actor Robert De Niro. Court documents reveal that five men face charges for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances that resulted in his death in July 2023.
Details of the Arrests
The accused allegedly utilized social media to market and sell fake drugs across New York City and parts of Long Island. These substances included counterfeit Xanax pills laced with fentanyl. Federal prosecutors highlighted that between May and July 2023, three 19-year-olds, including De Niro-Rodriguez, succumbed to overdoses linked to these pills.
Tragic Death of Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez
- Date of Death: July 3, 2023
- Location: Wall Street, Lower Manhattan
- Age: 19
- Cause: Fentanyl and other toxic substances
Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez had recently moved to New York to pursue a theater internship on Broadway. He had graduated from high school in Aspen, Colorado, just days before his death, having only occupied his apartment for two days. The NYPD found him unconscious after responding to a 911 call, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Impact and Response
Following the tragic incident, Drena De Niro, Leandro’s mother, expressed her devastation, emphasizing the accountability of those who sell dangerous substances. In her statement, she pointed out, “Someone sold him fentanyl-laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him.”
Robert De Niro also shared his grief, stating, “I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo.” The family has requested privacy as they navigate their loss.
Leandro’s Acting Career
Before his untimely death, Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez had begun to establish himself in the entertainment industry. He appeared in three projects alongside his mother, Drena De Niro:
- “The Collection” (2005)
- “Cabaret Maxime” (2018)
- “A Star Is Born” (2018) – where they played a mother and son duo
This case has raised awareness about the dangers of counterfeit drugs, particularly those laced with fentanyl, and highlights the tragic consequences associated with the ongoing opioid crisis.
