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, due to drugs. Five people have now been arrested in relation to his death and charged with allegedly running a fentanyl distribution network.

Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez was born to Robert De Niro's daughter, Drena De Niro, and her ex-partner, Carlos Rodriguez, in 2014. His family announced his death in July 2023, and it was revealed that he died due to a drug overdose.

As per a BBC report, published on Thursday, October 30, five people have now been arrested in relation to De Niro-Rodriguez's death. They are Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, Grant McIver, John Nicolas, and Roy Nicolas. As per the New York authorities, these five individuals allegedly sold counterfeit prescription opioid pills and ran a fentanyl distribution network.

They allegedly sold these drugs to teenagers and young adults in New York. The five individuals face charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute.

Homeland Security Investigations New York special agent, Ricky Patel, said in a statement on Thursday:

"Through their alleged actions, these defendants left behind a trail of irreversible loss that cut short the lives of three teenagers who held boundless potential and who had already made profound, immeasurable impacts on those who knew them."

Along with Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, the five individuals are also suspected of being involved in two other deaths. One is for renowned musician Chris Stein's daughter, Akira, who died on May 30, 2023. Meanwhile, the third person involved is unnamed.

Also Read: Who is Airyn De Niro? Robert De Niro's daughter comes out as transgender

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Robert De Niro opened up about his grandson's death, as authorities reveal details behind the victims' drug purchases

"A Bronx Tale" Screening - 2023 Tribeca Festival (Image Source: Getty)

As per the BBC, the authorities have stated that the aforementioned network sold drugs between January and July 2023. This is when Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez and Akira Stein died, along with the unnamed person, who died on June 13.

As per the authorities, Mr McIver, Mr Epperson, and Mr Barreto allegedly provided fentanyl-laced pills to a dealer, who sold them to Robert De Niro's grandson. These pills eventually led to his death. Stein, meanwhile, allegedly bought these pills from John and Roy Nicolas, while the third person got them through an intermediary from Mr McIver.

Meanwhile, following the death of his grandson, Robert De Niro had told Good Morning America in 2023 (h/t ABC News):

"I'm deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo. We're greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."

Meanwhile, Chris Stein shared a post on his Instagram account on October 30 following the arrests, and wrote:

"Arrests have been made and announced today in Akira's case. The DEA, US Attorney folks from the NYC Southern District and NYPD have been very sympathetic and respectful all through this process and I can't thank them enough for this hope of some justice for her. Please be careful."

Robert De Niro or his family has yet to officially comment on the arrests at the time of writing this article.

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Edited by Aditya Singh