Five individuals have been indicted in connection with the fatal overdoses of three young adults, including Robert De Niro’s grandson, Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, in 2023. The accused—Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, Grant McIver, John Nicolas, and Roy Nicolas—are alleged to have operated a fentanyl distribution network that targeted teenagers and young adults in New York City through social media platforms and encrypted messaging apps. Authorities have linked their activities to the deaths of Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, Akira Stein (daughter of Blondie co-founder Chris Stein), and an unnamed third victim. The defendants face charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl-laced counterfeit prescription opioid pills. According to prosecutors, the network sold thousands of these deadly pills between January and July 2023, resulting in at least three fatalities. Ricky Patel, a special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New York, described the case as a tragic loss of young lives with immense potential. If convicted, the defendants could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison, with a maximum of life imprisonment. Both Robert De Niro and Chris Stein have publicly expressed their grief and gratitude for the ongoing legal proceedings.