The innocent baby allegedly killed by his babysitter, a Ph.D. student, has been photographed for the first time alongside his twin brother, who she is also suspected of not only harming but also killing.
Six-and-a-half-week-old Leon Katz was found dead at his home in Pittsburgh on his father’s first Father’s Day and his parents’ first wedding anniversary. Nicole Virzi stands accused of his murder.
Ethan Katz and Savannah Roberts, the parents of the twins, considered 29-year-old Virzi a “trusted friend.”
She is accused of killing Leon while they were at the hospital with his twin brother Ari, whom police believe Virzi also attacked. Police state that she was present throughout the incident.
According to a GoFundMe page set up for the grieving couple, Leon was “tragically killed under horrific circumstances.” The page also mentions that a “trusted family friend” has been detained.
Despite being charged with murder, child endangerment, and serious assault, Virzi maintains her innocence.
Leon is remembered as a joyful and hilarious baby boy. The GoFundMe page states, “His untimely and tragic loss has profoundly impacted the community of Pittsburgh.”
Photos taken just days before the tragedy show twins Leon and Ari wearing similar onesies, side by side.
Virzi has strongly denied any involvement, and her attorney insists she is innocent.
“All of these charges are denied by our client. She is a loving person and a friend to these people, and she would never harm anyone’s child, let alone theirs,” her attorney David Shrager told WTAE in Pittsburgh.
According to police, after Virzi reported an injury on Leon’s crotch region, she continued babysitting him while his parents were at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh with Ari.
Virzi claimed she went to the kitchen to get a bottle and heard screaming. She said she found Leon had somehow fallen out of his bouncer chair, prompting her to dial 911.
A doctor informed investigators, “The injuries sustained by both twins are consistent with child abuse, as these are inflicted injuries that are not natural and not accidental,” according to court records.
Virzi remains in Allegheny County Jail with no provision for release. A preliminary hearing is set for June 28.
Her LinkedIn profile indicates she is enrolled in the Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at San Diego State University and the University of California Berkeley.
“She is a Ph.D. student turning 30 this year and has been friends with the family for a very long time,” Shrager said. “She has no criminal history, and we are eager to have our day in court.”
Virzi is charged with a general count of murder, which typically does not allow for bail. Shrager stated they will investigate whether any adjustments can be made regarding her bail status.