NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Police have launched a search for the source of the fatal substance that killed Robert De Niro's 18-year-old grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez. His mother Drena claims he died of a drug overdose. According to a source, NYPD law enforcement believes the fentanyl dose was likely tainted with the powerful synthetic opiate called fentanyl which is more potent than morphine.
"The autopsy will inevitably explain how Leandro apparently died soon after ingesting what seemed to be cocaine," said a law enforcement source, according to Radar Online. Leandro who died on Sunday afternoon, July 2 was the son of the 'Godfather' legend's adopted daughter Drena, 51, and artist Carlos Rodriguez.
Leandro's body was found in his NYC apartment
Leandro's lifeless body was discovered sitting in a chair inside his one-bedroom apartment worth $950,000 in Cipriani Club Residences. Inside his Lower Manhattan apartment, a white powdery substance on a plate was found near his body, according to the Daily Mail.
Responders arrived at the apartment for a wellness check after one of Leandro's concerned friends phoned the cops to inform them that he hadn't heard from him in a few days. As per The Wall Street Journal report, drug dealers have found fentanyl inexpensive to make. "The illicit form has spread throughout the illegal drug market, turning up in heroin as well as pills stamped out to look like oxycodone or Adderall and other drugs (like cocaine)," according to the report which also shared that "Dealers also cut it into cocaine, a stimulant, to be more potent and addictive, introducing the drug to unsuspecting buyers. A tiny amount of fentanyl can kill unseasoned users."
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De Niro left 'deeply distressed' over grandson's death
The autopsy results are expected to be released to Leandro's family this week. However, the source was warned that "it is very easy to arrest dealers, but it is very difficult to prove they actually sold the lethal cocaine or if they are just part of a larger drug distribution ring."
Following the teenager's death, his grandfather De Niro, 79, said he was "deeply distressed" by his "beloved" grandson's sudden death. "We’re greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo," said De Niro. Leandro's death was first announced by his mother Drena who shared a picture of her son on Instagram and wrote, "I wish that love alone could have saved you."
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