A graduate student has been accused of killing a newborn baby and abusing his twin brother. The children’s parents described the suspect as a “trusted family friend.”
Leon Katz is a six-week-old infant who was allegedly abused and killed by 30-year-old Nicole Virzi, who was a friend of the baby’s parents, Ethan Katz and Savannah Roberts. Virzi is believed to have murdered the infant while her friends took Ari, Leon’s twin brother, for treatment at the hospital.
The tragic incident took place on June 16 and resulted in charges of aggravated assault, child endangerment, and homicide for Virzi. Later, she was accused of similarly abusing Ari, who survived. Notably, prosecutors in Pennsylvania are seeking capital punishment for the suspect, meaning Virzi could receive the death penalty if convicted.
As prosecutors noted in a notice filed on August 23, capital punishment is being pursued because Virzi allegedly killed the infant through torture. However, even if a death penalty is sentenced in court, Pennsylvania’s Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro has vowed not to approve any capital punishment sentences while in office.
On June 15, Virzi is said to have called 911 just before midnight to report that Leon had fallen and hit his head. He was pronounced dead hours later at the hospital—just in time for Father’s Day. Virzi was alone with Leon prior to his death, having been left responsible after his parents brought Ari to the hospital to get treatment for “injury to the genital area.”
Despite Virzi’s claims that Leon fell out of his bouncer chair as she went to get a bottle, medical professionals said that both twins showed injuries that indicated “child abuse” rather than “natural and not accidental” injuries. Leon’s death has been labeled as murder, after the medical examiner determined he died due to blunt force trauma. Scans revealed that Leon had a serious skull fracture and multiple brain bleeds.
Virzi—a UC San Diego clinical psychology student who was visiting the Pittsburgh area at the time of the tragedy—has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her. According to her attorney, David Shrager, Virzi does not have a criminal record, “has a long relationship” with the baby’s parents, and is supported by a “loving family.”
