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Blondie guitarist Chris Stein has spoken out publicly following multiple arrests in connection with the drug-related deaths of his daughter Akira Stein and Robert De Niro’s grandson Leandro De Niro.
Chris Stein on the loss of his daughter Akira
Stein had already announced his daughter’s death on Facebook in 2023. Akira died of a drug overdose in May of the same year at the age of 19. The musician wrote at the time that he was devastated by the loss of his daughter.
Debbie Harry, singer of Blondie, was also deeply affected. She stated she will “for the rest of my life […] mourn our terrible loss.” She also warned of the dangers of fentanyl use. “Fentanyl is too dangerous, tempting and easy to get.”
Arrests in the case of Akira Stein and Leandro De Niro
Now five men have been arrested who are said to be in connection with Akira’s death and that of Leandro De Niro, also 19. Leandro, the grandson of acting legend Robert De Niro, also died of a fentanyl overdose in 2023.
In an Instagram post, Stein wrote:
“Today, arrests were made and announced in Akira’s case. The DEA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York City, and the NYPD have shown great understanding and respect throughout the entire process, and I cannot thank them enough for getting her some justice. Please be careful.”
Background to the investigation
According to Daily Mail reports, the five suspects have been charged with supplying the counterfeit pills that claimed the lives of Akira, Leandro and another teenager. In court documents, Akira is referred to as “Victim 1” and Leandro is referred to as “Victim 3.”
The BBC reports that the defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute. Prosecutors say they sold thousands of fentanyl-laced pills in New York between January and July 2023 via social media and encrypted messaging apps.
A spokesman for Homeland Security Investigations said: “Through their alleged actions, these defendants left a trail of irreversible loss that ended the lives of three teenagers who had limitless potential and had already had a profound impact on everyone who knew them.”
Robert De Niro’s family mourns the death of Leandro
The news of Leandro’s death was announced in July 2023 by Robert De Niro’s eldest daughter Drena. In an emotional Instagram post, she wrote: “My beautiful, sweet angel. I loved you more than words can describe from the moment I felt you in my stomach. You were my joy, my heart and everything that was ever pure and real in my life. I wish I was with you now. I wish I was with you. I don’t know how to live without you, but I will try to move on and spread the love and light that you gave me so much as your mom. You were loved and cherished so much, and I wish my love alone could have saved you.”