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5 arrested in connection with overdose death of Robert De Niro’s grandson

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5 arrested in connection with overdose death of Robert De Niro’s grandson


Five people have been federally charged in connection with the 2023 overdose death of actor Robert De Niro’s grandson and two others, authorities said Thursday.

The five men, all in their 20s, are charged in connection with the the overdose deaths of three 19-year-olds in 2023, including Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, Akira Stein, daughter of Blondie co-founder Chris Stein, and an unnamed victim, according to a news release from the Drug Enforcement Administration. 

The five suspects were identified as Bruce Epperson, Eddie Barreto, Grant McIver and brothers John Nicolas and Roy Nicolas. 

They all face charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, para-fluorofentanyl and alprazolam, resulting in the deaths of De Niro-Rodriguez, Stein and the third victim. If convicted as charged, they face a minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. 

Epperson was arrested Tuesday in Troy, New York, the DEA said, while McIver was arrested Tuesday in Houston, Texas. John Nicolas was arrested Saturday in Buffalo, New York, while Roy Nicolas was arrested Saturday in Valley Stream, New York. Barreto surrendered to authorities Wednesday in Manhattan. All five have made their initial court appearances. 

De Niro-Rodriguez’s mother Drena De Niro previously said he died after being sold pills laced with fentanyl. The medical examiner ruled his death accidental, caused by mix of fentanyl, cocaine and other drugs.

“Defendants who distributed the drugs, who killed these young 19-year-olds knew that they were deadly,” Clayton said.

Prosecutors allege the five people arrested used social media and encrypted messaging apps to sell thousands of counterfeit prescription opioid pills laced with fentanyl to teens and young adults.

“Drug trafficking organizations have weaponized social media in a way that allows them to expand their network, make more profits and, unfortunately, get more people addicted to their poison,” Frank Tarentino, special agent in charge for the DEA’s New York Division, said in a news conference Thursday.

One of the victims allegedly warned one of the five suspects arrested that the drugs they had sold her caused her to overdose, and  she told him “just warn customers in batch might be extra strong,” according to federal court documents. She later died after another overdose, prosecutors said.

The second victim died of an overdose two weeks later, and De Niro-Rodriguez died of an overdose less than a month after that. 

De Niro-Rodriguez and his mother appeared in the 2018 movies “A Star Is Born” and “Cabaret Maxime.” He was also credited with an appearance in 2005’s “The Collection.”

Drena De Niro speaks out

De Niro-Rodriguez’s mother released the following statement Friday: 

Leandro De Niro Rodriguez – our Leo – was kind, curious, and full of promise. He was a young man just shy of his 20th birthday, with a bright future ahead of him. We miss him terribly. We know there are thousands of families like ours who understand the nightmare of losing a child or loved one to fentanyl poisoning.

The recent indictments in relation to the wrongful deaths of Victim #1 (whose name has not been made public at this time), Akira Stein, and Leandro De Niro Rodriguez is yet another painful reminder of an epidemic that has risen to plague proportions in the U.S. In 2023, there were 100,000 overdose related deaths. Out of over 2,400 New Yorkers who died of fentanyl-related overdose deaths, approximately 75 of them were teenagers and young adults between the ages of 15 and 24.

No parent should have to bury a child. No family should have to endure the suffering of such a senseless and preventable loss.

We are grateful to the law enforcement agencies, including the DEA New York Division and the NYPD as well as many individuals whose work and dedication brought us to this moment. Their efforts mean more than our words can express. Thank you.

We will continue to honor Leo’s life and the lives of countless other children and young adults taken too soon, by raising awareness, advocating for change, and working to ensure that other families will never have to experience this kind of heartbreak.

19 others accused of running drug network in Washington Square Park

In addition, 19 other people were federally charged with running a drug distribution racket in New York City’s Washington Square Park since 2020. The 19 charged have nicknames like “Scarface,” “Butter,” “Hollywood” and “Heavy,” prosecutors said, and face charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death.

The indictment alleges they “maintained a year-round market for opioids and crack cocaine” in the park, adding the various defendants have been arrested more than 80 times for drug-related crimes and, when they were released, they returned to the park and kept selling drugs. 

“The defendants are aware that their drugs cause overdoses,” prosecutors wrote.

Pictures in the indictment reportedly show the scene after two people fatally overdosed on drugs containing fentanyl, allegedly sold to them from dealers in the Washington Square Park area.

The victims included an 18-year-old who had just arrived in the city two days after graduating from high school and a 43-year-old person experiencing homelessness who was found dead on a sidewalk.

Law enforcement officials say the investigation into the park took 16 months. They would not confirm whether or not more arrests could be coming. They would only say the investigation is ongoing.



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Taylor Swift on bond with Dakota Johnson: ‘Curious’

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Taylor Swift on bond with Dakota Johnson: ‘Curious’


Taylor Swift on bond with Dakota Johnson: ‘Curious’

Taylor Swift has opened up about her close bond with Dakota Johnson, describing the actress as an “endlessly curious” and “empathetic” friend who stands out for her refreshing honesty. 

Writing a heartfelt essay for Time’s 100 Most Influential People of 2026, the 36-year-old singer-songwriter vouched for Johnson’s “realness” in an industry often defined by carefully managed media responses. 

Swift praised the bestie for her unique ability to answer questions with such “frank candour” that it leaves people wondering if she is simply incapable of lying.

While the two stars have largely kept their relationship away from the public eye, they have been part of the same social circle since 2016, often spotted enjoying dinner in the company of friends like Zoë Kravitz, Cara Delevingne, and Suki Waterhouse. 

This long-standing connection has given Swift a front-row seat to Johnson’s personality, which she describes as being deeply inquisitive about the lives of others. 

According to Swift, the actress is constantly exploring the “intricate relationship complexities” of the human experience, a trait that fuels her work both in front of and behind the camera.

Beyond their personal friendship, Swift highlighted Johnson’s professional bravery, specifically noting her willingness to take “newer and bolder risks” by founding her own production company, TeaTime Pictures. 

The Grammy-winning artist noted that this drive to challenge herself is a core part of who the actress is. 

Swift seems to admire the way Johnson balances being a captivating presence on screen with an inquisitive nature behind the scenes, suggesting that this combination is what makes her storytelling feel so authentic.

Ultimately, Swift believes that Johnson’s commitment to the truth is what defines her legacy in Hollywood. 

She concluded her tribute by noting that her friend’s “unfailing truthfulness” helps shape her work into art that feels “as real and timeless as she is.” 

By bridging the gap between her public persona and her private self, Johnson has clearly made a lasting impression on Swift, who views her as a rare example of someone whose evolving career is a direct reflection of her genuine, inquisitive character.





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PM hails Saudi economic support, highlights US-Iran peace efforts in MBS meeting

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PM hails Saudi economic support, highlights US-Iran peace efforts in MBS meeting


Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (left) exchanges views with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a key meeting in Jeddah on April 15, 2026. —X@PakPMO
  • Pakistan reaffirms “shoulder to shoulder” support for Saudi Arabia.
  • PM, MBS discuss regional situation during nearly two-hour meeting.
  • Pakistan, Saudi Arabia review bilateral ties and strategic cooperation.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed his sincere appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s consistent support for Pakistan’s economic stability during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, according to the Prime Minister’s Office.

The Prime Minister called on Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, who is also the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in Jeddah this evening. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar was also present at the meeting.

According to the PMO, the two leaders held detailed discussions during a warm and cordial meeting that lasted almost two hours, focusing on the evolving regional situation as well as bilateral relations.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed full solidarity and support for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the wake of recent regional escalation, saying that “the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with our Saudi brethren.” He also conveyed deep condolences over the loss of precious lives.

He appreciated what he described as the Kingdom’s “exemplary patience and restraint,” adding that the Crown Prince’s leadership during the current crisis “has been a source of strength for all peace-loving people in the Kingdom and beyond.”

The Prime Minister also shared recent developments related to Pakistan’s peace efforts, including those that led to the US–Iran ceasefire and the recently held round of historic talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad. He noted that “Pakistan and the Kingdom enjoy a unique relationship as strategic defence partners under the Pakistan–Saudi Arabia Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement.”

He further expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s continued support of Pakistan’s economic stability, describing it as “deeply appreciated.”

Both leaders also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and reaffirmed their commitment to continued close cooperation.





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A culinary thriller with explosive star power

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A culinary thriller with explosive star power


‘Tyrant’: A culinary thriller with explosive star power

Demi Moore is continuing her remarkable career resurgence, signing on for the new culinary thriller Tyrant alongside Charlize Theron and Julia Garner.

Variety broke the news exclusively, reporting that Moore has accepted a key role in the high-stakes film set within New York City’s elite fine dining scene. 

David Weil, known for Amazon series Hunters and Invasion, will write and direct, working from a script he developed with Cody Behan. 

Production is expected to begin within weeks in Los Angeles, having secured a California Film Tax Credit.

The film will be produced by Theron alongside her Secret Menu partners Beth Kono and A.J. Dix, as well as The Picture Company’s Alex Heineman and Andrew Rona. 

Weil produces with partner Natalie Laine Williams, with Stan Wlodkowski serving as executive producer.

Moore arrives at this project on the back of one of the strongest periods of her career. 

Her performance in The Substance, in which she played a fading star who takes a mysterious drug to reclaim her youth, earned her a Golden Globe and a Critics Choice Award, as well as an Oscar nomination. 

She will next be seen in Boots Riley’s I Love Boosters in late May, and currently stars in the top-rated Taylor Sheridan series Landman.





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