Two years after the tragic death of Robert De Niro’s 19-year-old grandson, Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, authorities have arrested five individuals linked to his accidental drug overdose, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced Thursday.
According to DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III and U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton from the Southern District of New York, the suspects face charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances that led to Leandro’s death, as well as other overdose fatalities.
Leandro, the only son of De Niro’s daughter, Drena De Niro, was one of three 19-year-olds who died over the summer of 2023 after ingesting fentanyl-laced pills. His death, ruled accidental, occurred on July 2, 2023, in Manhattan. The medical examiner determined the cause to be “toxic effects of fentanyl, bromazolam, alprazolam, 7-aminoclonazepam, ketamine, and cocaine.”
These new arrests follow the earlier 2023 detention of Sofia H. Marks, then 20, who was charged with distributing and possessing fentanyl and alprazolam with intent to distribute — offenses that each carry potential 20-year prison sentences. Information regarding her plea has not been made public.
After Leandro’s passing, his mother, Drena, shared a heartbreaking message on social media, calling him her “beautiful sweet angel” and expressing how deeply loved he was. She wrote, “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.” She also addressed Leandro’s father, artist Carlos “Mare” Rodriguez, writing, “I’m so sorry, my baby.”
Robert De Niro later reflected on his grandson’s death, telling PEOPLE that the loss was “a shock” and that he often finds himself thinking about “all the things I could have, should have done” — a painful reminder of how sudden and devastating the tragedy was.
