Five Arrested After De Niro's Grandson Dies from Drug Overdose
The Tragic Death of Robert De Niro's Grandson
Five individuals have been arrested in connection with the death of Robert De Niro's grandson, who died from a fatal overdose of recreational drugs two years ago. The accused are Grant McIver, Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, John Nicolas, and Roy Nicolas. They are alleged to have supplied the pills that led to the teenager's death in July 2023.
Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the grandson of the legendary actor, passed away at the age of 19 in New York City on July 2, 2023. A white powdery substance was discovered on a plate near his body. His lifeless body was found sitting in a chair inside a $950,000 one-bedroom apartment located in the Cipriani Club Residences on Wall Street in Manhattan.
According to an indictment obtained by the Daily Mail, the five suspects are accused of operating a drug ring in New York, distributing thousands of counterfeit prescription pills to teenagers and young adults. Three of the alleged dealers were known in the area under the nicknames 'Dizzy,' 'Tea,' and 'John John.'
Sources revealed to the New York Post that one of the teenagers they are accused of supplying with deadly drugs was Leandro. He was the son of De Niro's adopted daughter Drena, 51, and artist Carlos Rodriguez.
At the time of the tragedy, De Niro expressed his deep sorrow, stating, "I'm deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo. We're greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone."
In addition to the five arrests, an alleged dealer known as the 'Percocet Princess,' 20-year-old Sophia Haley Marks, was also charged with selling the drugs to De Niro Rodriguez.
Leandro lived alone in the upscale sixth-floor apartment where he died. He had been renting the unit for less than a year. The apartment is located in the same building as Cipriani, a luxury venue for events.
The building's concierge shared some insights about Leandro, describing him as a friendly young man who always greeted people when he came and went. "I'd see him every now and then, and he'd always say hi," the concierge said. "He just was friendly, kept to himself."
"I didn’t know who he was until I read the story," he added. "It’s a tragedy. I was just talking to my coworker that said my daughter just turned 20. You see his (Leandro’s) picture, he was a baby."
This is a breaking news story.
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