Robert De Niro Grandson Leandro’s Death suspect arrested.
Authorities have apprehended a suspect in relation to the suspected overdose of Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the grandson of renowned actor Robert De Niro. Reports from NBC News and ABC News on July 14 confirm that Sofia Haley Marks, a 20-year-old, allegedly supplied drugs to Leandro prior to his untimely demise earlier this month. Marks is currently under police custody in New York City, facing federal charges of drug distribution.
While investigations into Leandro’s death are still ongoing, his mother, Drena De Niro, had previously asserted that it was drug-related. Expressing her anguish on Instagram on July 4, Drena, 51, wrote, “Someone sold him fentanyl-laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him, so for all these people still f—king around selling and buying this s—t, my son is gone forever 😭.”
Authorities in New York City discovered Leandro, an aspiring actor, deceased in a building in lower Manhattan. Two days prior to the confirmation of his passing, Drena, daughter of the 79-year-old actor and Diahnne Abbott, acknowledged the loss of her son. Leandro was just 19 years old. Sharing her heartfelt emotions on July 2, Drena wrote, “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.”
Carlos Rodriguez, Leandro’s father and an artist, responded to Drena’s Instagram post, stating, “My dear Drena… words aren’t enough to express the joy he gave us or the loss we now endure with our families and friends. He is Godschild now. 🙏🏼 On this full moon, his spirit luminates what could not be seen in the dark. You can’t spell LOVE without LEO 👼💔💔.” Later, Rodriguez penned his own poignant tribute to his late son, sharing, “If you knew him, you would know. ♥️💔 Our families and friends will grieve but never forget him. Leo was a passionate young man; he loved his family and friends, he loved his life and was curious about the world. Leo was a prolific and talented high-level programmer who wanted to find a purposeful use with his talents beyond the social media calamity he didn’t care for. Like his parents, he loved art and artists; he was comfortable in this tribe.”
Robert De Niro, the grieving grandfather, also expressed his sorrow over Leandro’s loss in a statement to Us Weekly: “I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo,” the Oscar winner shared. “We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo.”