Introduction to the Case
Nearly a half-dozen people have been arrested in connection with selling the drugs that led to the July 2023 overdose death of actor Robert De Niro’s grandson, according to court documents.
The Charges
Five men are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death in the July 2023 death of Leandro Anthony De Niro-Rodriguez, the only child of De Niro’s oldest daughter, Drena, and others.
The Alleged Crimes
The defendants allegedly used social media to promote and sell drugs across New York City and parts of Long Island. They allegedly doled out thousands of fake Xanax pills laced with fentanyl to teens and young adults.
The Overdose Deaths
Federal prosecutors say three 19-year-olds, including De Niro’s grandson, died of overdoses in a three-month span during the summer of 2023. Each case involved fentanyl-laced pills.
The Victim’s Background
De Niro-Rodriguez’s mother, Drena De Niro, had previously said her son died after being sold pills.
The NYPD has said officers found De Niro-Rodriguez unconscious when responding to a 911 call to Wall Street in Lower Manhattan. The recently turned 19-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Investigation Findings
Prosecutors say De Niro-Rodriguez had just moved to New York for a theater internship on Broadway, not long after graduating from high school in Aspen, Colorado. He had only been in his apartment for two days.
His death was ruled an accident, with the New York City medical examiner’s office determining De Niro-Rodriguez died from the toxic effects of fentanyl, bromazolam, alprazolam, 7-aminoclonazepam, ketamine and cocaine.
Reactions from the Family
De Niro-Rodriguez’s mother announced his death on July 3, 2023.
“Someone sold him fentanyl laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him,” Drena De Niro wrote. “So for all these people still f—— around selling and buying this s—, my son is gone forever.”
Robert De Niro also provided a statement at the time of his grandson’s death, saying: “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.”
The Victim’s Acting Career
Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, too,had acting credits to his name, with roles in three projects also featuring his mother: 2005’s “The Collection,” 2018’s “Cabaret Maxime” and “A Star Is Born.” In Bradley Cooper’s remake, the mother and son played mother and son — wife and child to Dave Chappelle’s character.
Conclusion
The arrests made in connection with the overdose death of Robert De Niro’s grandson mark a significant step towards justice for the family and highlight the dangers of fentanyl-laced pills. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing the opioid crisis and the need for increased awareness and education about the risks of substance abuse.
FAQs
Q: Who was arrested in connection with the overdose death of Robert De Niro’s grandson?
A: Five men were arrested and charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death.
Q: What were the defendants allegedly selling?
A: The defendants allegedly sold thousands of fake Xanax pills laced with fentanyl to teens and young adults.
Q: How did Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez die?
A: De Niro-Rodriguez died from the toxic effects of fentanyl, bromazolam, alprazolam, 7-aminoclonazepam, ketamine and cocaine.
Q: What was De Niro-Rodriguez’s background?
A: De Niro-Rodriguez was a 19-year-old who had just moved to New York for a theater internship on Broadway and had acting credits to his name.
