Prosecutors Link De Niro’s Grandson’s Death to Drug Network

Authorities have indicated that the overdose death of Robert De Niro’s grandson is tied to a drug operation in New York City allegedly targeting local residents.

Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, just 19, tragically passed away on July 2, 2023, reportedly from an accidental drug overdose. Investigators have arrested five individuals they suspect were involved: Bruce “Tee” Epperson, Eddie Barrett, Grant “Dizzy” McIver, John “John John” Nicholas, and Roy Nicholas. Prosecutors mention that messages among these individuals suggest they were part of a larger criminal scheme selling dangerous doses of drugs, including to De Niro Rodriguez.

One of the dealers reportedly communicated with De Niro Rodriguez, referred to in these messages as “Victim 3,” even after another customer had suffered a fatal overdose. It’s a chilling thought—how fleeting life can be in such circumstances.

In a court document, a dealer supposedly questioned if he “really needed it,” adding a concerning note that “Ion wants to kill you.”

Furthermore, the dealer had allegedly warned that the pills weren’t of prescription quality. Still, according to reports, De Niro Rodriguez went ahead and bought them, ultimately receiving a counterfeit opioid pill known as “Pressie,” which was laced with fentanyl.

It’s worth mentioning that this group is also accused of distributing drugs to Akira Stein, another young individual connected to Blondie guitarist Chris Stein, as reported.

In the wake of De Niro Rodriguez’s death, a sixth suspect, named Sophia H. Marks, was arrested weeks later and faces similar drug-related charges.

According to court documents, Epperson and Barrett supplied fentanyl to the dealer involved with De Niro Rodriguez prior to his tragic death.