In a significant development, five individuals were arrested on Thursday in relation to the tragic overdose deaths of Robert De Niro's grandson, Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, and Chris Stein's daughter, Akira Stein, according to law enforcement sources reporting to ABC News. This case has drawn widespread attention due to the high-profile nature of the victims and the alarming rise in fatal overdoses linked to counterfeit drugs.
Earlier in 2023, Sofia Marks, infamously dubbed the Percocet Princess, faced charges for allegedly selling the drugs that led to the overdose death of Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez. Now, with the recent arrests, authorities are taking decisive action against a larger criminal network believed to be responsible for distributing these dangerous substances.
The five newly arrested defendants—Grant McIver, Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, John Nicolas, and Roy Nicolas—are accused of being part of an organized group that distributed thousands of counterfeit prescription opioid pills. These pills were reportedly laced with fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid that has been linked to a surge in overdose deaths across the United States.
According to the indictment, the distribution of these fentanyl-laced pills has tragically contributed to the deaths of three young individuals, all aged 19, including both Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez and Akira Stein. The indictment does not explicitly name the victims; however, law enforcement sources have confirmed their identities to ABC News, highlighting the personal and societal impact of this ongoing crisis.
The recent arrests underscore the urgent need for enhanced efforts to combat the proliferation of counterfeit prescription drugs that are endangering the lives of teenagers and young adults in New York City and beyond. As authorities continue to investigate this case, community leaders and families are calling for increased awareness and preventive measures to protect vulnerable individuals from the dangers of substance abuse.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the opioid crisis gripping the nation and the devastating consequences of counterfeit drugs. Moving forward, it is imperative for communities to come together in support and action against this growing epidemic.
