UPDATE: Five individuals were arrested today in connection with the tragic overdose deaths of Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, the grandson of actor Robert De Niro, and Akira Stein, the daughter of Chris Stein, co-founder of the band Blondie. Authorities confirmed that the arrests are part of a broader investigation into a criminal network distributing counterfeit prescription pills laced with fentanyl.
The arrests were made as part of an ongoing probe into the distribution of dangerous drugs targeting teenagers and young adults in New York City. The accused—Grant McIver, Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, John Nicolas, and Roy Nicolas—allegedly played key roles in a network responsible for supplying thousands of counterfeit opioid pills. According to prosecutors, these pills were linked to the deaths of three 19-year-olds, including De Niro-Rodriguez and Stein.
The investigation has gained significant attention, particularly due to the high-profile nature of the victims. Sofia Marks, previously dubbed the “Percocet Princess,” was charged in 2023 with selling the drugs that contributed to De Niro-Rodriguez’s death. Today’s developments underscore the urgent need to address the rising epidemic of synthetic opioid distribution among youth.
Authorities are set to hold a news conference at 3 p.m.
