Nicole Virzi accused of killing friend's baby faces death penalty if convicted

Nicole Virzi

Nicole Virzi, a 30-year-old PhD student from UC San Diego, is facing severe legal repercussions after being charged with the homicide of her friend's newborn baby, Leon Katz, and injuring his twin brother.

The incident occurred in June while Virzi was babysitting the twins in Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood. According to reports, Virzi claimed that Leon had fallen from his bassinet, but medical examinations revealed that the infant died from blunt force trauma to the head, indicating child abuse. The twin brother also sustained multiple injuries, including scratches, bruising, and swelling.

Virzi, who was studying behavioral medicine, was close friends with the twins' parents. On the night of June 15, she called the police, stating that Leon had fallen. However, doctors later confirmed that the injuries were neither natural nor accidental.

The Allegheny County District Attorney's Office has cited torture as an aggravating factor, justifying their pursuit of the death penalty.

During a preliminary hearing on July 24, 2024, Virzi waived her right to a hearing, expressing emotional devastation for the family. Her attorney, David Shrager, emphasized that all facts have yet to come out and urged the public to refrain from judgment until the case is fully litigated in the Court of Common Pleas. Virzi's formal arraignment is scheduled for August 23, where they plan to enter a guilty plea.

The case has garnered significant attention due to the severity of the charges and the potential for the death penalty, which remains legal in Pennsylvania. Governor Josh Shapiro, however, has announced that he will not issue any execution warrants during his term and has called for the abolition of the death penalty in the state.