Five People Arrested After Robert De Niro’s Grandson Leandro Died of Drug Overdose
Authorities have arrested five individuals in connection with the tragic overdose death of Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the 19-year-old grandson of Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro. The arrests mark a major development in the ongoing investigation into the fentanyl-laced drugs that claimed the young man’s life last year.
Leandro, the son of actress Drena De Niro and artist Carlos Rodriguez, was found unresponsive in his New York City apartment in July 2023. His death was ruled an accidental overdose caused by a lethal combination of fentanyl, cocaine, and alprazolam, commonly known as Xanax. The tragedy shocked Hollywood and drew national attention to the ongoing opioid crisis claiming thousands of young lives across the United States.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the five suspects were taken into custody this week after a year-long investigation by the DEA and NYPD. Prosecutors allege that the group was part of a drug trafficking network responsible for distributing counterfeit oxycodone and Xanax pills laced with fentanyl. Authorities say these pills were sold to Leandro through a series of middlemen and dealers operating across Manhattan and Brooklyn.
One of the accused, identified as Victoria Silverio, 31, was allegedly the direct dealer who supplied the deadly pills to Leandro shortly before his death. Prosecutors claim she knew the pills were counterfeit and contained fentanyl. Three other suspects face charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, while another is being investigated for obstruction of justice after allegedly attempting to delete text messages linking her to the transaction.
During a press briefing, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said, “Fentanyl continues to be the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45. These arrests send a message — those who profit from poisoning our communities will be held accountable.”
Leandro’s mother, Drena De Niro, has been vocal about her son’s death and the dangers of illicit drugs. Shortly after his passing, she posted a heartfelt message on Instagram, writing, “Someone sold him fentanyl-laced pills that they knew were fake. My son is gone forever because of it.” She also urged other parents and young people to be vigilant about the dangers of counterfeit prescription pills.
Robert De Niro, who rarely speaks publicly about his family, issued a brief statement at the time saying, “I’m deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo. We’re grateful for everyone’s condolences and ask for privacy while we grieve.”
The case has reignited calls for stricter penalties for fentanyl dealers and more resources to combat the spread of synthetic opioids. Advocates say the growing accessibility of fentanyl-laced pills on social media and in nightlife scenes has made the crisis especially deadly for young people.
If convicted, the suspects face potential sentences ranging from 20 years to life in federal prison. Prosecutors emphasize that while these arrests bring some accountability, the investigation into broader trafficking operations supplying fentanyl-laced drugs in New York remains ongoing.
For Robert De Niro and his family, the arrests offer a small measure of justice — but the loss of Leandro, a young man described as “kind, creative, and full of promise,” continues to cast a shadow over one of Hollywood’s most revered families.
