Federal authorities have announced the arrests of five individuals in New York, charged in connection with the 2023 drug overdose death of Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, the 19-year-old grandson of actor Robert De Niro.
The suspects face federal charges, including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death, according to a Drug Enforcement Administration official. The arrests come more than two years after the young man was found deceased in July 2023. An investigation into the case remains active.
This brings the total number of individuals charged to six. A woman was previously arrested in 2023, accused of selling the narcotics involved in the incident.
Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez was discovered by a friend who became concerned after not hearing from him. His death was later determined to be an accidental overdose.
Following the loss, his mother, Drena De Niro, shared an emotional tribute on social media, writing of her profound grief and describing her son as her “joy” and “heart.” She expressed a wish that “love alone could have saved you.”
In a 2024 interview, Robert De Niro spoke of his shock and lingering regret over his grandson’s passing, stating he was in “disbelief” and often replayed whether there was anything he could have done to prevent the tragedy. “It shouldn’t have happened,” the actor said at the time.
