Leandro’s mother claimed he was given pills laced with fentanyl, but the medical examiner says it’s still looking into the cause.
Image: Robert De Niro said he was ‘deeply distressed’ by his grandson’s death
Sofia Haley Marks was detained by New York City police and drug agents on Thursday, according to a law enforcement official speaking anonymously.
She was expected to appear in federal court on Friday.
Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, 19, died earlier this month, with his mother claiming he died after being sold fentanyl-laced pills.
“So for all these people still f****** around selling and buying this s***, my son is gone forever,” said Drena De Niro on Instagram.
However, the city medical examiner has said the cause of death is still being investigated.
Hollywood legend Robert De Niro said he was “deeply distressed by the passing of my beloved grandson Leo”.
“We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo,” he added.
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New York Police said Leandro was pronounced dead after being found “unconscious” and “unresponsive” on 2 July.
He followed in his grandfather’s footsteps in pursuing acting and had small roles in Bradley Cooper’s A Star Is Born, as well as The Collection and Cabaret Maxime.
In May, Sky News travelled to Texas to examine the dangers of counterfeit pills. One school district outside Austin has lost several students from taking pills laced with Fentanyl.
