Authorities have arrested five additional individuals linked to the overdose death of Robert De Niro’s grandson, as confirmed by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The accused—Grant McIver, Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, John Nicholas, and Roy Nicholas—are allegedly involved in a fentanyl distribution network that used social media to sell counterfeit M30 pills to teenagers. This operation reportedly contributed to the deaths of three teens in 2023.
Leandro De Niro Rodriguez was discovered deceased in his Manhattan apartment on July 2, 2023. Court documents indicate he was sold three fentanyl pills and one Xanax pill the day prior to his death. The charges against McIver, Barreto, and Epperson include supplying the drugs that caused De Niro Rodriguez’s overdose.
Sophia Haley Marks, a 20-year-old, was charged in 2023 for directly selling counterfeit oxycodone pills, which contained fentanyl, to De Niro Rodriguez. It’s reported that she even cautioned him about the dangers of the drugs during the transaction.
The same group allegedly provided drugs to Akira Stein, the daughter of Blondie founder Chris Stein. Court documents reveal that she had overdosed twice on pills sold to her by John and Roy Nicholas before she was found dead in her family’s downtown Manhattan apartment on May 30, 2023. It seems the men were aware of at least one prior overdose involving Stein before supplying her with more pills.
De Niro has expressed his deep sorrow regarding his grandson’s passing, stating, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo.” He also thanked everyone for their condolences and requested privacy during this difficult time.
Drena, De Niro’s daughter and Leandro’s mother, also shared her grief in a statement, saying, “It is with immeasurable shock and sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved son Leo.” She appreciated the supportive messages and requested privacy as they cope with their loss.
