In a shocking turn of events, a 20-year-old woman, Sophia Haley Marks, known in certain circles as the “Percocet Princess,” finds herself entangled in a federal narcotics case linked to the tragic demise of none other than Leandro De Niro Rodriguez, the grandson of the renowned actor Robert De Niro. This gripping tale unfolds as Marks faces charges of allegedly supplying drugs to Leandro, who was discovered lifeless in the basement of his New York City residence.
Who Is Sophia Haley Marks?
With the moniker “Percocet Princess” bestowed upon her by The New York Post, Marks was apprehended during a daring undercover operation carried out by the NYPD. The arrest took place on a fateful Thursday evening around 6 p.m., as the net closed in on this intriguing character.
Prior to the ill-fated drug transaction that ultimately led to Leandro’s untimely demise, the “Percocet Princess” apparently cautioned him about the lethal nature of the pills. Reports from the Daily Mail suggest that Leandro, a mere 19 years of age, passed away in the month of March. While the official cause of death remains undetermined, authorities are investigating the haunting possibility of a drug overdose. It now begs the question: Who is Sophia Haley Marks, and how did the police connect her to Leandro’s tragic fate?
Sophia Haley Marks, the enigmatic “Percocet Princess,” has gained notoriety as a reputed drug dealer allegedly involved in the grim circumstances surrounding Leandro’s death. Authorities assert that Marks, a youthful 20-year-old, stands accused of illicitly peddling fentanyl-laced counterfeit oxycodone tablets to Leandro on multiple occasions.
Appearing before the judge, Marks cut a gaunt and somber figure, dressed in a nondescript black T-shirt. She maintained an air of stoic silence throughout the court proceedings, offering only a curt “good morning” in acknowledgment. Following her appearance, Marks was promptly taken into custody, facing three charges of drug distribution. In response to a series of questions posed to her, Marks responded affirmatively, acknowledging her awareness of the allegations levied against her. Her charges include two counts of possession and distribution of fentanyl, alongside one count of alprazolam and fentanyl possession. If convicted on all counts, she could potentially face up to 60 years behind bars. The upcoming trial date has been set for August 14, marking a pivotal juncture in Marks’ fate.
According to the complaint, Marks is accused of selling Leandro counterfeit oxycodone and Xanax laced with fentanyl in the hours leading up to his tragic demise. On a fateful Friday, July 14, Marks was apprehended on federal drug-related charges, subsequent to a diligent investigation by law enforcement. Crucial evidence was obtained from the scene of Leandro’s death, with text messages retrieved from the teenager’s cell phone acting as a damning trail, revealing his intent to purchase oxycodone and Xanax from Marks.
Reports from sources close to the investigation shed light on their initial communication in June. It appears that Leandro, seeking “thirties” – blue, non-prescription oxycodone pills marked with a number – encountered resistance from Marks, who cautiously warned him of the potential dangers. Via text messages, Marks expressed her reluctance to supply him with the pills, stating, “Do you really need these? I don’t want to harm you. These pills are not prescribed, and I’m not a fan of providing them.” Nevertheless, she eventually acquiesced, allegedly offering Leandro three “pressed” oxycodone pills and two Xanax for a sum of $105. Leandro, harboring concerns about the pills being tainted with “fent or h,” a coded reference to fentanyl or heroin, reluctantly proceeded with the purchase.
Law enforcement authorities contend that Marks arranged for the delivery of the aforementioned pills to Leandro via a car service around 9:45 pm on July 1. In a startling twist, she reportedly advised the young man to exercise caution, warning him, “Don’t take too much risk with these.” However, despite reaching out to Leandro hours later to inquire about his well-being, Marks received no response, leaving her in a state of uncertainty.
The lawsuit alleges that Marks later sold 50 oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to an undercover police officer for a significant sum of $1,000. During the exchange, Marks disclosed a tragic incident involving a 19-year-old friend who had lost their life after consuming one of the tainted pills on June 14, prior to Leandro’s suspected overdose. The arrest unfolded on Thursday evening, resulting in the confiscation of 156 bags of pills and $1,500 in cash.
According to authorities, Leandro was discovered lifeless on July 2 in his luxurious one-bedroom home, worth a staggering $950,000, with the cause of death strongly indicating an overdose. In July, Leandro’s mother, Drena De Niro, took to Instagram to express her outrage, squarely blaming Marks for selling drugs that could claim lives. In response to a query regarding Leandro’s whereabouts, Drena vehemently declared, “Someone knowingly sold him fentanyl-laced pills, resulting in his tragic demise. So, to all those involved in the buying and selling of such poison, my precious son is no longer with us.”
In a heartfelt statement released earlier this month, Robert De Niro expressed profound sadness following the loss of his beloved grandson, Leo. The tragic events surrounding Leandro’s death continue to unravel, shedding light on a harrowing tale of drugs, deception, and devastating consequences.