Police officers responded to a 911 call, but despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His death came just two days after he had moved into the apartment, excited to begin a new chapter of his life in New York City. According to his family, Leandro had recently graduated from high school in Aspen, Colorado, and had returned to New York to start an internship in the theater industry—an opportunity that reflected his growing interest in following in his family’s artistic footsteps. The New York City Medical Examiner’s Office later determined the cause of death to be accidental, listing the toxic effects of fentanyl, bromazolam, alprazolam, 7-aminoclonazepam, ketamine, and cocaine as contributing factors.

Five Men Charged in Connection with Fentanyl-Laced Pills

The investigation that followed revealed a larger and deeply troubling pattern. According to federal prosecutors, Leandro’s death was one of several linked to an illegal drug distribution ring that targeted young adults and teens across New York City and Long Island.

Court filings show that five men — Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, Grant McIver, John Nicolas, and Roy Nicolas — have been charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances resulting in death. Authorities allege that the group used social media platforms to advertise and sell counterfeit prescription pills, including fake Xanax tablets laced with fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin.

Within just three months during the summer of 2023, three 19-year-olds, including Leandro, died from taking the fentanyl-laced pills connected to this same network. Federal prosecutors have described the case as part of a larger crisis sweeping through the nation — one where counterfeit pills continue to claim the lives of unsuspecting young people.

A Family’s Grief: Tributes from Drena and Robert De Niro

Leandro was the only child of Drena De Niro, Robert De Niro’s eldest daughter, whom he shares with actress Diahnne Abbott. Drena confirmed the heartbreaking news of her son’s passing in an emotional Instagram post, writing: “My beautiful sweet angel. I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment I felt you in my belly. You have been my joy, my heart, and all that was ever pure and real in my life. I wish I was with you right now. I wish I was with you.” She continued, expressing the profound pain of her loss:

“I don’t know how to live without you, but I’ll try to go on and spread the love and light that you made me feel in being your mama. You were so deeply loved and appreciated, and I wish that love alone could have saved you.” Her post resonated across social media, drawing messages of support and sympathy from friends, fans, and fellow actors. Robert De Niro, known for keeping his personal life private, also released a statement mourning his grandson’s death. “I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo. We are greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo.”

In a later interview, the Academy Award-winning actor reflected on the shock and heartbreak he felt when he first learned of Leandro’s death. “It’s just a shock. I never thought it would happen,” he said quietly. “I just started thinking about all the things I could have, should have done with him. I don’t know if it would’ve made a difference—but that thought keeps playing through my mind.” Both Drena and Robert have since spoken out about the dangers of fentanyl, hoping their tragedy might raise awareness and prevent other families from experiencing the same pain. Drena, in particular, expressed anger and sorrow, stating, “Someone sold him fentanyl-laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him. My son is gone forever because of this.”

Another Victim: The Daughter of Blondie Co-Founder Chris Stein

The fentanyl crisis has claimed numerous young lives, including another victim connected to the same drug network being prosecuted in Leandro’s case. Akira Stein, the daughter of Chris Stein, co-founder and guitarist of the iconic band Blondie, died of an overdose on May 30, 2023, in Lower Manhattan after taking pills allegedly supplied by the Nicolas brothers.

Chris Stein later confirmed that arrests had been made in connection with his daughter’s death, thanking law enforcement for their compassion and professionalism during the investigation. He expressed hope that justice would be served for Akira and the other young victims.

A Promising Future Cut Short

Before his passing, Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez had already begun following his family’s creative legacy. He appeared in several projects alongside his mother, including The Collection (2005), Cabaret Maxime (2018), and the 2018 blockbuster A Star Is Born, directed by and starring Bradley Cooper. In the film, Leandro and Drena portrayed the wife and son of Dave Chappelle’s character, adding a personal and touching dimension to their scenes together. Friends and colleagues described Leandro as kind, bright, and deeply passionate about storytelling and the arts. His life, full of promise and potential, ended just as it was beginning.

The Ongoing Fight for Justice and Awareness

The De Niro family continues to grieve while advocating for greater accountability in the ongoing fentanyl crisis that has devastated countless families. As the legal proceedings against the accused dealers move forward, prosecutors and victims’ families alike hope the case will serve as a powerful reminder of the deadly risks posed by counterfeit drugs.

Leandro’s tragic death has become a heartbreaking example of how fentanyl continues to infiltrate the lives of unsuspecting young people. For Robert and Drena De Niro, the loss remains immeasurable—but their courage in speaking out has given a human face to a national tragedy. “He had so much life ahead of him,” Drena said in a later post. “All I can do now is honor him by spreading awareness and love in his name.”