PhD student Nicole Virzi could face death penalty for baby’s alleged murder

A PhD student could face the death penalty if convicted of the alleged murder of her friend’s baby. She denies any wrongdoing.

An American PhD student could face the death penalty if convicted of murdering her friend’s six-week-old son.

California woman Nicole Virzi has been accused of killing infant Leon Katz while babysitting him at his family’s Pittsburgh home on June 16. The 29-year-old is also accused of injuring Leon’s twin brother, Ari, earlier that same day.

Virzi, who has been charged with homicide, child endangerment, and aggravated assault, has denied any wrongdoing.

If convicted, however, the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office will seek the death penalty, court documents obtained by news outlet WPIX show.

“The defendant committed the killing while in perpetration of a felony. The offense (sic) was committed by means of torture,” the filing read.

“The defendant has a significant history of felony convictions involving the use or threat of violence to the person. The victim was a child under 12 years of age.”

Details of Virzi’s previous convictions were not shared.

Leon had been left in Virzi’s care while his parents, Savannah and Ethan Katz, took Ari to the UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh for an injury to his groin area, which he allegedly sustained while she was looking after him.

Virzi told police she had gone into the kitchen to get Leon a bottle when she suddenly heard screaming, and upon return found the baby had fallen from his bouncer chair. She then called emergency services.

However, doctors disputed Virzi’s claims, alleging she instead was responsible for inflicting a fracture to Leon’s skull and several bleeds on the brain, picked up by a CAT scan, as well as Ari’s injury.

“The injuries sustained by both (twins are) consistent with having been sustained as a result of child abuse, as these are inflicted injuries that are not natural and not accidental,” a doctor told investigators, according to court filings.

Virzi’s lawyer, David Shrager, maintained his client’s innocence, and told a court during a preliminary hearing in July she was “absolutely emotionally devastated” for the Katz family.

“Those were her close friends, and she’s in a great deal of pain,” Mr Shrager said.

“If there was something she wanted to convey, it would be the absolute horrible pain she’s feeling for the family. It’s heartwrenching.”

Police have not yet shared a motive for the alleged crime.

Virzi, who has been working to complete a PhD in Clinical Psychology since 2019, was captured on video discussing her research on female depression just days before Leon’s death.

In the since-deleted footage posted by the Heart and Mind Journal on X and taken on June 13, Virzi explained how “somatic symptoms of depression may be important to the development of ischaemic heart disease risk factors and major adverse cardiovascular events” in women.

Mr Shrager told the court there had been “a general misunderstanding of what transpired in the public”.

“We ask that people wait until they’ve heard all the facts to resolve their thoughts on this matter,” he added.

“And the facts will come out at the appropriate time at the appropriate venue. We ask that people refrain from judging.”

A GoFundMe set up for the Katz family by their friend, Isabella Kahhale, to raise money for funeral and medical expenses, remembered the newborn as a “happy, smiley, goofy baby boy”.

“Leon Katz, a beautiful and healthy six-week-old baby boy, was tragically killed under horrific circumstances on June 16, 2024,” the page read.

“First-time parents Savannah and Ethan joyfully welcomed him and his twin brother Ari into the world in May 2024.

“A trusted family friend has been arrested for homicide, child endangerment, and aggravated assault that the boys experienced.

“In addition to coping with the unbearable loss of their beloved son Leon, Savannah and Ethan are facing significant financial burdens.”

Ms Kahhale added that Leon’s “untimely and tragic death” had “deeply impacted the Pittsburgh community”.

“While financial support is crucial, Ethan, Savannah, and Ari are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love they have received,” she continued.

“Your messages of support mean the world to them as they begin to heal from this unimaginable loss. Thank you for keeping the Katz family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly challenging journey.”