A 20-year-old woman who allegedly sold drugs to Robert De Niro's grandson has been arrested. The woman, Sofia Haley Marks, has been charged with distribution of narcotics and allegedly sold the drugs that led to the death of actor Robert De Niro's grandson.
Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, 19, died on July 2, 2023, from a suspected drug overdose. An official cause of death has not been announced.
Sofia Haley Marks is allegedly known on the street as "Percocet Princess." The New York Post reported that a "white powdery substance" and "drug paraphernalia" were found near Leandro's body.
Drena De Niro is Robert De Niro's oldest daughter and Leandro's mother. She has posted on Instagram several times since her son's death to share her feelings of heartbreak and grief.
"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 was with you right now," Drena wrote on Instagram, adding that she didn't know how to live without her son.
More from LittleThings: Lisa Marie Presley's Died Due To Complication From Gastric Bypass Surgery From Years Ago
Also on Instagram, Drena wrote that she believes her son died from "fentanyl-laced pills."
"Someone sold him fentanyl-laced pills that they knew were laced yet still sold them to him," she wrote in response to a comment on her post about her son.
"None of this is right or fair and my heart hurts in a way I never knew possible while still breathing and barely functioning . Leo my darling I love you today like the first day I held you in my arms," Drena wrote on Instagram on July 3. "The same man that picked us up from the hospital when you were born drove us to the funeral home where I touched and held you for the last time . You were kindness acceptance and love and I can’t believe any of this is real YOU made everything bearable and every burden lighter."
Robert also said that he was "deeply distressed by the passing of (his) beloved grandson Leo," reported The Guardian.
Like his grandfather and mother, Leandro was also an actor. He appeared in A Star is Born and Cabaret Maxime with his mom.
"My darling we celebrate you today and always," Drena wrote in another Instagram post. "Thank you to everyone for the help prayers and loving energy that is pulling us through this devastating time."
"Missing you hard my Wild Boy Leo . I understand you better every day .. You were and will always be a gift," she wrote earlier this week.
Marks was expected to appear in court on Friday. As of Friday morning, The Guardian reported that it was unclear whether Marks had an attorney.
"We're greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone. We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo," Robert said in a statement to Good Morning America.
