Robert De Niro's Grandson's Death Leads To Five Arrests Two Years After His Passing From Effect Of Fentanyl
By Favour Adegoke on October 30, 2025 at 3:45 PM EDT
Updated on October 30, 2025 at 4:00 PM EDT
New developments have emerged in the case surrounding the tragic overdose death of Robert De Niro's 19-year-old grandson, Leandro De Niro.
More than a year after his passing in 2023, investigators have made additional arrests linked to the distribution of the drugs believed to have caused his death.
Previously, authorities had arrested a woman named Sofia H. Markas as the final link in the drug chain that led to Leandro De Niro's death.
Five Men Were Arrested And Charged With Conspiracy To Distribute Controlled Substances
According to NBC New York, police investigating the overdose death of Leandro De Niro have arrested five men in connection with the case.
The individuals, whose names remain undisclosed for now, are facing charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
They reportedly targeted young adults and teens through social media and sold drugs across New York City and parts of Long Island.
Their activities are said to have led to the deaths of several individuals, including three 19-year-olds, one of whom is believed to be Robert De Niro's grandson.
Police Previously Arrested A Woman In Connection With The Case
The update comes after police arrested a woman just weeks following Leandro's death in 2023.
At the time, the woman, identified as Sofia H. Markas, was apprehended in New York City after a sting operation conducted by the NYPD and a federal task force.
The operation began with an undercover officer first making contact with her via text.
Markas is believed to be the individual who sold the drugs that the 19-year-old consumed before his fatal overdose.
Shortly after her arrest, law enforcement agents searched her bedroom and recovered a large amount of cash, believed to be proceeds from drug sales. Police also confiscated 156 pills from her person when she was arrested.
Her charges reportedly include three counts of narcotics distribution, stemming from allegations that she sold counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl on at least three separate occasions.
The 19-Year-Old Was Mourned By His Mother On Social Media
At the time of Leandro De Niro's death, his mother, Drena, took to Instagram to mourn her loss.
"My beautiful, sweet angel," she began her message. "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."
She added, "I wish I was with you. I don't know how to live without you, but I'll try to go on and spread the love and light that you so made me feel in getting to be your mama."
Concluding her message, Drena expressed how hw much she loved her son, saying she wished that love could have prevented him from dying.
"You were so deeply loved and appreciated, and I wish that love alone could have saved you. Rest in Peace and Eternal Paradise, my darling boy," she wrote.
Robert De Niro Was 'Deeply Distressed' After Learning Of His Grandson's Passing
The legendary Hollywood star mourned his grandson's death in an emotional statement back in 2023, saying he was "deeply distressed" by the budding actor's demise.
"I'm deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo," De Niro said. "We're greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."
Leandro had already begun to slowly follow in his grandfather's footsteps by chasing a career in acting. The teenager had already starred in several movies, including "A Star is Born," 2018's "Cabaret Maxime," and 2005's "The Collection.
All About Leandro De Niro's Death
On July 2, police responded to a 911 call from Wall Street in Lower Manhattan, placed by a friend who had stopped by to check on him.
When they arrived at the scene, they found Leandro unconscious, and attempts to resuscitate him proved futile.
He was ultimately pronounced dead on the scene by the EMS before his body was taken away.
Drug paraphernalia and narcotics were found nearby, which aided the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
The New York City Medical Examiner's Office ultimately ruled his death as being caused by the effects of fentanyl, bromazolam, alprazolam, 7-aminoclonazepam, ketamine, and cocaine.
