Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, the grandson of Robert De Niro and the son of Drena De Niro and Carlos Mare, died of an accidental fentanyl overdose in New York City in the summer of 2023. On October 30, 2025, five men were taken into custody and indicted in relation to his death.Drena De Niro is an actress, filmmaker, and producer. Meanwhile, Carlos Mare is a graffiti artist, painter, and sculptor.According to The Wrap, DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III and U.S. Attorney of the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton revealed the names of the suspects in a press conference. The BBC reported that Homeland Security Investigations’ New York special agent in charge, Ricky Patel, was also part of the announcement team.The individuals, Grant McIver, Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, John Nicolas, and Roy Nicolas, have been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. They allegedly sold and distributed counterfeit prescription opioid and fentanyl pills across New York City to teenagers and youngsters via a social media network.Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, whose lifeless body was found by a friend in his NYC apartment on July 2, 2023, was one of the three 19-year-old victims who died of a drug overdose within three months of each other. If convicted, the individuals face a prison sentence of 20 years to life.More about Drena De Niro and Carlos MareAccording to SCMP Magazine, Drena De Niro is the eldest child of veteran Hollywood actor, filmmaker, and producer Robert De Niro and his first wife and actress Diahnne Abbott. She was born in September 1971 to Abbott and her former boyfriend.When Drena was five, her mother, Diahnne Abbott, married the Taxi Driver star in 1976. Later, De Niro adopted her, and she became their oldest daughter.Drena De Niro began her career as a DJ and model and has walked the runway at the New York Fashion Week. She has also worked with luxury designers, including Jean Paul Gaultier, Vivienne Westwood, and Giorgio Armani, according to Good Morning America.Currently, Robert De Niro’s daughter is an actress, filmmaker, and producer. Her acting credits include Great Expectations, A Star is Born, and Joy. The 2001 documentary, Girls and Dolls, was written, directed, and produced by her.According to the Danysz Gallery website, Carlos Rodriguez, also known as Carlos Mare or Mare139, was born in New York City in 1965 and is a pioneer of the New York City Subway graffiti movement. He also practises painting, calligraphy, and sculpture.Robert and Drena De Niro At the 19th Annual Hollywood Film Awards - Arrivals - Source: GettyCarlos’ works have been commissioned by the BET Awards and the University of Brighton, among others. He created a documentary called Style Wars chronicling the lives of graffiti artists in mid-1980s New York City, for which he won the 2006 Webby Award.Both parents of Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez mourned the tragic passing of their son in 2023. Drena De Niro told The Wrap in a statement:“It is with immeasurable shock and sadness that we say goodbye to our beloved son Leo. We thank you for the outpouring of love and support and ask that we be given privacy at this time to process this inconsolable grief.”Later, taking to her Instagram, the bereaved mother 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 were with you right now… I don’t know how to live without you, but I’ll try to go on and spread the love and light that you so made me feel in getting to be your mama.”Drena mentioned that Leandro was “deeply loved and appreciated” and wished that love alone could have saved him. She also recalled her only child suffering through the pandemic, adding that “addiction took over” during that time, which eventually killed him.Meanwhile, Carlos Mare also shared a post on his Instagram in July 2023 that read:“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… he was a prolific and talented high-level programmer who wanted to find a purposeful use for his talents beyond the social media calamity he didn’t care for.”Rodriguez also noted that his late son had his “own story and journey” which remained unknown to the world, “loved art and artists,” and was a passionate explorer who travelled the world. He also extended his support for the families of other victims and thanked everyone for their solidarity during their time of grief.At the time, Robert De Niro also shared that his grandson’s sudden passing left him “deeply distressed,” and added that he was “greatly appreciative” of the pouring condolences and tributes.According to Yahoo!, Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez was a student, programmer, and actor who appeared in A Star is Born and Cabaret Maxime alongside his mother, Drena De Niro. The De Niro family now runs a nonprofit foundation in Leandro's name.