Police have arrested 20-year-old Sofia Haley Marks in connection to the death of Robert De Niro's grandson, Leandro De Niro-Rodriguez, at the age of 19. The teenager passed away two weeks ago from a suspected overdose.
Marks was arrested on "federal drug distribution charges," law enforcement sources familiar with the matter told NBC New York.
She is expected to be arraigned in a Manhattan federal court Friday (July 14). It was not clear whether Marks had yet obtained or been assigned legal representation.
De Niro and the New York Police Department (NYPD) are yet to confirm the details of the arrest as of this report.
How did Rodriguez Die?
An NYPD spokesperson previously told reporters they found Rodriguez unconscious and unresponsive inside a New York residence on July 2 and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Hours later, De Niro's daughter, Drena De Niro, announced the death of her son. "I have loved you beyond words or description from the moment I felt you in my belly," she lamented on Instagram. "You have been my joy, my heart, and all that was ever pure and real in my life."
After some time, Drena alleged someone sold Rodriguez "fentanyl-laced pills." De Niro also opened up about his grandson's death, saying in a statement he was "deeply distressed" by it.
"We're greatly appreciative of the condolences from everyone," he added. "We ask that we please be given privacy to grieve our loss of Leo."
This is a developing story. Please come back to HNGN for further developments.
