Family Grief and Public Outcry
Leandro’s mother, Drena De Niro, expressed unbearable heartbreak online:
“My beautiful sweet angel… You were so deeply loved. I wish love alone could have saved you.”
Robert De Niro shared that he was in shock, mourning the time and future he lost with his grandson. He thanked supporters and asked for privacy, while Drena condemned those responsible for selling the lethal pills.
Another victim of the same drug network was 19-year-old Akira Stein, daughter of Blondie co-founder Chris Stein.
A Bright Future Lost
Leandro had already appeared in several films, including A Star Is Born. His family hopes the arrests bring justice — and help prevent more young lives from being taken.