Authorities in New York have made several arrests in connection with the 2023 overdose death of Robert De Niro’s grandson, Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, the Drug Enforcement Administration confirmed.
Leandro, who was just 19, was found dead in a Manhattan apartment on July 2, 2023. The New York City Medical Examiner later determined that he died from the toxic effects of multiple substances — including fentanyl, ketamine, cocaine, and several sedatives — ruling his death an accidental overdose.
Now, more than two years later, the DEA says five people have been arrested in connection with his death. Each suspect is facing charges of “death resulting from the sale of narcotics,” according to officials.
Leandro was the beloved son of actress Drena De Niro, Robert De Niro’s eldest child with his first wife, Diahnne Abbott. Drena announced her son’s passing in a heartbreaking Instagram post, writing, “I don’t know how to live without you, but I’ll try to go on and spread the love and light you gave me in being your mama.”
Days after his death, Drena revealed that someone had sold her son “fentanyl-laced pills that they knew were laced.”
A woman named Sofia H. Marks was arrested later that same month for allegedly selling drugs to the teen, though details of her plea or sentencing have not been made public.
The new arrests mark a major development in the case as authorities continue to crack down on the deadly spread of fentanyl-laced narcotics across New York City.