1. Nicole Virzi charged with homicide in death of baby Leon Katz
2. Nicole Virzi homicide charges in case of baby Leon Katz.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : A woman from Southern California has been accused of the tragic killing of a newborn baby and the abuse of the child’s twin brother while visiting the children’s parents in Western Pennsylvania. Nicole Elizabeth Virzi, 29, faces charges of homicide, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of a child in connection to the alleged incidents at an apartment in Shadyside, a suburb of Pittsburgh, according to Allegheny County court records.
Virzi was arrested by officers from the Pittsburgh Police Department on June 16, following the reported crimes at the residence where the children’s parents, Savannah Roberts and Ethan Katz, reside, approximately 4.5 miles northeast of downtown Pittsburgh. The tragic events unfolded at the home where Virzi was staying during her visit to the area.
A criminal complaint obtained by USA TODAY revealed that Virzi made a distressing call to 911 on June 15, reporting that a six-and-a-half-week-old baby she was caring for had sustained a head injury after falling from a bassinet and was showing signs of becoming unresponsive. The baby, identified as Leon Katz, was rushed to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children’s Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor the following day.
Prior to Leon’s injuries, his parents had taken his twin brother to the same hospital after Virzi alerted them to injuries the baby had sustained to his genitals. While the parents were at the hospital with one twin, Leon remained under Virzi’s care.
Medical examinations later revealed that Leon had suffered a severe skull fracture and multiple brain bleeds as a result of a fall from a bouncer. The injuries sustained by both twins were determined to be the result of child abuse, rather than accidental harm.
Dr. Arlel Goldschmidt of the Allegheny County Office of the Medical Examiner conducted a preliminary autopsy and concluded that Leon’s cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head, ruling it a homicide. The tragic incident has left the community in shock and mourning for the loss of the young child.
Virzi, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in clinical psychology at San Diego State University and UC San Diego, remains in custody without bond and is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing in Magisterial District Court in Pittsburgh on July 24.
Her lawyer, David Schrager, has stated that Virzi denies any intentional actions and maintains her innocence in the face of the allegations. Schrager emphasized that Virzi has no prior criminal record and has been a longtime friend of the twins’ family for at least five years.
In response to the tragic events, a fundraiser has been set up to support the twins’ parents, Savannah and Ethan, with medical costs and funeral expenses. The online campaign, initiated by Isabella Kahhalé and Sam Plateto, has garnered significant support, raising over $66,000 in donations within just five days.
As the investigation into this heartbreaking case continues, the community is coming together to offer support and assistance to the grieving family. Anyone who suspects child abuse is urged to contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline for assistance and guidance..
1. Nicole Virzi charged with homicide in death of baby Leon Katz
2. Nicole Virzi homicide charges in death of baby Leon Katz.
