14 July 2023 , 09:00
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A woman arrested over the death of Robert De Niro's grandson Leandro De Niro Rodriguez has been named as Sofia Haley Marks, according to reports.
The alleged drug dealer, nicknamed the Percocet Princess, is alleged to have sold Leandro drugs before he was found dead inside a $950,000 (£750,000) apartment in New York City.
His mother, Drena De Niro has claimed the 19-year-old died after taking pills laced with fentanyl, although this has not been officially confirmed.
Leandro's death has been described as sudden and unexpected, with his grandfather thought to be finding it extremely hard to process.
Marks, 20, was reportedly arrested at around 6pm on Thursday night during an undercover sting operation carried out by the NYPD, Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security.
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Leandro De Niro Rodriguez was just 19 when he died (Instagram)According to the New York Post, investigators were still searching her home late Thursday night. The publication states that she has been federally charged with the distribution of narcotics.
Leandro is said to have been found dead by a friend inside an apartment in the Cipriani Club Residences on Wall Street. He's said to have been found with "a white powdery substance on a plate near his body."
Leandro's pal decided to check in on the actor when they hadn't heard from him in a few days. His official cause of death is yet to be revealed.
He was found near a white substance (Instagram/@drenadeniro)
Robert De Niro is thought to be struggling since the death (Getty Images for Tribeca Festiva)A spokesperson for New York City Police told The Mirror: "On Sunday, July 2, 2023, at approximately 1423 hours, police received a 911 call of an aided at 55 Wall Street, in the confines of the 1 Precinct.
"Upon arrival, an 18-year-old male was found unconscious, unresponsive and was pronounced deceased by EMS on scene. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death."
In a statement, Taxi Driver star Robert said he has been left devastated over the death of his grandson.
"I'm 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," the statement read.