The death of Robert De Niro’s 19-year-old grandson, Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, deeply shook Hollywood and devastated the private De Niro family. Leandro was found unresponsive in his new Lower Manhattan apartment on July 2, 2023, just days after moving in to start a Broadway theater internship. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Federal investigators later arrested five men — Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, Grant McIver, John Nicolas, and Roy Nicolas — accusing them of running a drug-selling ring targeting teens and young adults across New York City and Long Island through social media. Prosecutors say they distributed thousands of fentanyl-laced Xanax pills, leading to multiple overdoses, including Leandro’s and two other 19-year-olds during summer 2023. A medical examiner ruled Leandro’s death accidental, citing fentanyl and several other substances.
Family Grief and Public Outcry
Leandro’s mother, Drena De Niro, expressed unbearable heartbreak online:
“My beautiful sweet angel… You were so deeply loved. I wish love alone could have saved you.”
Robert De Niro shared that he was in shock, mourning the time and future he lost with his grandson. He thanked supporters and asked for privacy, while Drena condemned those responsible for selling the lethal pills.
Another victim of the same drug network was 19-year-old Akira Stein, daughter of Blondie co-founder Chris Stein.
A Bright Future Lost
Leandro had already appeared in several films, including A Star Is Born. His family hopes the arrests bring justice — and help prevent more young lives from being taken.
