Robert De Niro's grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, died of an accidental overdose in 2023, and now, two years later, five suspects have been arrested in connection to the incident.
According to NBC 4 New York, the five men have been charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. De Niro Rodriguez, the only child of De Niro's adopted daughter, Drena De Niro, died in July 2023 at 19 years old. De Niro was married to his stepdaughter's mother, Diahnne Abbott, from 1976 to 1988.
The suspects allegedly used social media to promote and distribute illegal substances spanning greater New York City and parts of Long Island. Among the drugs sold were fake Xanax pills, which were laced with fentanyl.
De Niro Rodriquez was among three 19-year-olds who died from an overdose within a three-month timeframe that year. The teenager was pronounced deceased at the scene after authorities responded to a call in Lower Manhattan on July 2, 2023.
Leandro had relocated to New York from Aspen, Colorado, for a theater internship and had only lived in his apartment for two days before his sudden passing. Leandro's death was ruled an accidental overdose, with fentanyl, bromazolam, alprazolam, 7-aminoclonazepam, ketamine and cocaine being found in his system.
In the wake of Leandro's death, his mother established the The Leandro De Niro Rodriguez Foundation to support families impacted by the opioid, fentanyl and imitation drug crisis.
"Losing Leo has truly motivated me to ensure his memory leaves a positive mark on the world. I want to provide support and raise awareness for families who need it most," Drena De Niro stated on the foundation's website.
In a statement after his grandson's death, De Niro said he was "deeply distressed" about the news. Leandro had three acting credits, his final role being Leo Stone in 2018 musical drama A Star Is Born.