Five individuals have been charged in the overdose deaths of Robert De Niro’s grandson and two other 19-year-olds in 2023. New York authorities accuse Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, Grant McIver, John Nicolas, and Roy Nicolas of running a fentanyl distribution ring. They reportedly sold counterfeit opioid pills to teenagers through social media.
The network is linked to the tragic deaths of Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, Akira Stein (daughter of Blondie’s Chris Stein), and another unnamed victim. All five suspects face serious charges for conspiracy related to drug distribution.
According to Homeland Security Investigations New York, the actions of these suspects “cut short the lives of three teenagers who held boundless potential.” Prosecutors allege that between January and July 2023, the suspects used encrypted messaging and social media to sell thousands of pills laced with fentanyl in New York.
The summer of 2023 was particularly deadly. Stein was found dead on May 30 after allegedly consuming fentanyl-laced pills bought from the Nicolas brothers. Another victim, who died on June 13, also reportedly obtained pills through an intermediary from McIver. De Niro-Rodriguez died on July 2 after taking pills believed to be sourced from the same defendants.
In a related incident, earlier in 2023, a woman was arrested for allegedly selling counterfeit oxycodone pills and Xanax to De Niro-Rodriguez. Statistically, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that over 70,000 people died from opioid overdoses in 2021 alone, highlighting the severity of this ongoing crisis.
Following his grandson’s death, De Niro expressed his distress, calling him a “beloved grandson.” Chris Stein acknowledged the arrests related to his daughter on Instagram, expressing hope for justice.
If convicted, the suspects could face a minimum of 20 years, with the possibility of life in prison. This case underscores the urgent need for better awareness and prevention measures regarding the dangers of counterfeit drugs.
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