When did Robert De Niro’s grandson die? Details explored as overdose death leads to 5 arrests
Robert De Niro’s grandson, Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, died on July 2, 2023 from drug-related complications. Five people were arrested in connection with his death and charged with allegedly running a fentanyl distribution ring.
Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez was born to Robert De Niro’s daughter, Drena De Niro, and his ex-partner, Carlos Rodriguez, in 2014. His family announced his death in July 2023, and it was revealed that he died from a drug overdose.
According to a BBC report published on Thursday (October 30), five people have been arrested in connection with the death of De Niro-Rodriguez. They are Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, Grant McIver, John Nicolas and Roy Nicolas. According to New York authorities, these five individuals allegedly sold counterfeit opioid prescription pills and ran a fentanyl distribution network.
They allegedly sold the drugs to teenagers and young adults in New York. All five individuals face charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute.
Homeland Security Investigations New York Special Agent Ricky Patel said in a statement Thursday:
“Through their alleged actions, these defendants left behind an irreversible loss that cut short the lives of three teenagers with unlimited potential and who had already had a profound and immeasurable impact on those who knew them.”
Alongside Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, the five individuals are also suspected of being involved in two other deaths. One concerns the daughter of famous musician Chris Stein, Akira, who died on May 30, 2023. Meanwhile, the third person involved is not named.
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Robert De Niro spoke out about his grandson’s death, as authorities reveal details of victims’ drug purchases
According to the BBC, authorities said the aforementioned network sold drugs between January and July 2023. This is when Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez and Akira Stein died, as well as the unnamed person, who died on June 13.
According to authorities, Mr. McIver, Mr. Epperson and Mr. Barreto allegedly provided pills containing fentanyl to a dealer, who sold them to Robert De Niro’s grandson. These pills ultimately led to his death. Stein, meanwhile, allegedly purchased these pills from John and Roy Nicolas, while the third person obtained them through Mr. McIver.
Meanwhile, following the death of his grandson, Robert De Niro told Good Morning America in 2023 (h/t ABC News):
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo. We greatly appreciate everyone’s condolences. We ask that we be given privacy to mourn the loss of Leo.”
Meanwhile, Chris Stein shared a post on his Instagram account on October 30 following the arrests, and wrote:
“Arrests were made and announced today in Akira’s case. The DEA, the U.S. Attorneys for the Southern District of New York, and the NYPD have been very sympathetic and respectful throughout this process and I cannot thank them enough for this hope of justice for her. Please be careful.”
Robert De Niro or his family have yet to officially comment on these arrests as of this writing.
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Edited by Aditya Singh
