AhemBeauty News Desk | Crime & Society
Five Arrested in Robert De Niro’s Grandson Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez Overdose Case
Authorities in New York have arrested five people in connection with the 2023 overdose death of 19-year-old Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, the grandson of actor Robert De Niro. Prosecutors say the group was part of a network that sold counterfeit opioid pills laced with fentanyl to teens and young adults across the city. The arrests were announced on Thursday, October 30, 2025.
Who Was Arrested and What Are the Charges?
The five defendants named by prosecutors are Grant McIver, Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, John Nicolas, and Roy Nicolas. They face conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death, a serious federal charge. Investigators allege the men trafficked thousands of fake prescription pills—mostly fentanyl-laced tablets—that spread among teens and college-age buyers.
Officials also said this same supply chain is tied to other overdose deaths, including that of Akira Stein, 19, daughter of Blondie co-founder Chris Stein. The indictment reportedly links the ring’s pills to at least three young victims, Leandro among them.
How Leandro Died, According to Investigators
Leandro was found dead in Manhattan on July 2, 2023. The medical examiner ruled the death an accidental overdose. Toxicology tests revealed a mix of fentanyl, cocaine, and tranquilizers—the synthetic opioid identified as the most lethal element in the counterfeit pills sweeping the city.
A Prior Arrest in 2023
Soon after Leandro’s death, police arrested Sofia Haley Marks, 20, sometimes called the “Percocet Princess.” She was accused of supplying the fentanyl-laced pills to Leandro shortly before he died. The five new arrests announced this week are in addition to that earlier case and target the broader network prosecutors say kept feeding the city’s supply of deadly counterfeits.
What Investigators Say the Network Did
According to prosecutors, the group used social media and encrypted messaging apps to contact buyers, set up meetings, and distribute their product. Court documents indicate that sellers knew their pills were dangerous yet continued to sell them. In one tragic example, a victim who warned a seller that a previous batch caused an overdose later died after taking more pills.
The Bigger Picture: Counterfeit Pills and Fentanyl
Health officials have long warned about counterfeit pills designed to look like real prescriptions but containing fentanyl. Even a grain-sized dose can be fatal. These knockoffs often mimic oxycodone or Xanax, tricking users into thinking they’re safe medications. Experts stress the importance of never taking pills that aren’t from a licensed pharmacy and of learning how to use naloxone, the emergency medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.
Family Grief and Public Warnings
Leandro’s mother, Drena De Niro, has spoken openly about her heartbreak and urged families to discuss the dangers of fentanyl-laced drugs. Robert De Niro also shared his sorrow, thanking the public for its support. Friends remember Leandro as a talented and warm young man who had a small role in A Star Is Born and was following in his grandfather’s artistic path.
What Happens Next
The five defendants will face federal court on the conspiracy charges. Prosecutors say the investigation continues. If convicted, they could face long prison terms since “resulting in death” charges carry severe penalties. This case also ties into a broader crackdown on fentanyl distribution in New York, especially around Washington Square Park.
Why This Matters
Leandro’s death and the new arrests underline a tragic reality—fake pills have become a major cause of youth overdoses. Families often assume one pill can’t be deadly, but with fentanyl that’s no longer true. The case highlights the need for open conversations about counterfeit drugs, the value of education, and community access to naloxone. Awareness can save lives while justice takes its course.
Source Compilation Notice: This rewrite is based on verified public reports from ABC News, NBC New York, CBS New York, and People Magazine (Oct 30 2025). It is fully rewritten in original wording for educational and informational use.
