Archive · 31 Oct 2025
Five Indicted in Deaths of De Niro's Grandson and Two Other Teens
Prosecutors say five men are accused of selling dangerous drugs disguised as regular pills.
These drugs, which contained fentanyl, allegedly led to the deaths of three young people.
One of the victims was Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the 19-year-old grandson of actor Robert De Niro.
Another victim was 19-year-old Akira Stein.
The group is accused of using social media to find young customers.
The pills they sold contained strong drugs like fentanyl and other substances.
The indictment states that during just three months in the summer of 2023, the pills from this group caused at least three deaths.
The suspects face serious prison time if convicted.
Robert De Niro had expressed deep sadness over his grandson's death.
Five individuals have been indicted for their alleged roles in supplying drugs linked to the overdose deaths of Robert De Niro's grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, and two other teenagers.
The victims, all 19 years old, died from drug combinations that included fentanyl, according to official reports.
The accused allegedly operated a drug distribution network using social media to target and sell counterfeit pills to young people in New York City.
The indictment charges the suspects with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and other substances that resulted in at least three overdose deaths within a three-month period in 2023.
The charges carry potential sentences ranging from a mandatory minimum of 20 years to life in prison.
- Who
- Five suspects: Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, Grant McIver, John Nicolas, and Roy Nicolas
- What
- Indicted for allegedly distributing fentanyl and other drugs that caused the overdose deaths of Robert De Niro's grandson, Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, Akira Stein, and another teen.
- When
- Indictment announced today; deaths occurred on or about May 30, June 13, and July 2, 2023.
- Where
- New York City
- Why
- Allegedly operating a drug distribution network that sold counterfeit pills containing fentanyl and other dangerous substances to teens and young adults, particularly using social media.
Prosecutors' Allegations
Defense Perspective (Not presented in article)
Role in Fatal Overdoses
Prosecutors' Allegations
The five indicted individuals conspired to distribute fentanyl and other drugs, directly causing the overdose deaths of Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, Akira Stein, and a third victim.
Defense Perspective (Not presented in article)
No defense perspective is presented in the provided article.
Drug Network Operations
Prosecutors' Allegations
The defendants ran a network that sold counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl and other dangerous substances, using social media to target young buyers, and were responsible for multiple fatalities in a short period.
Defense Perspective (Not presented in article)
No defense perspective is presented in the provided article.
- Indictment Announced Date
- Today
- Victims
- Leandro De Niro Rodriguez (19), Akira Stein (19), and one unidentified teen
- Cause of Death (Rodriguez)
- Drug combination including fentanyl, bromazolam, alprazolam, 7-aminoclonazepam, ketamine, and cocaine
- Alleged Drug Network Operations
- Targeted teens and young adults via social media
- Drugs Allegedly Distributed
- Fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl, alprazolam, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, prescription pills, xylazine
- Prosecution Details
- Conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and other drugs causing overdose deaths
- Potential Sentencing
- Mandatory minimum of 20 years to life in prison
