PITTSBURGH, PA – Nicole Virzi, a 29-year-old PhD student from California, has been arrested on serious charges, including causing the death of a six-week-old infant in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Virzi has reportedly been accused of inflicting fatal injuries on the newborn boy, leading to skull fractures and brain hemorrhage, as stated by local law enforcement officers.
Virzi was taking care of the baby, Leon Katz, at his Pittsburgh residence during the time of the incident. At the same time, the baby’s mother, a close friend of Virzi, was at a hospital with Leon’s twin brother, who was reportedly assaulted to his genitalia. The police suspect Virzi’s involvement with these injuries, too.
The injuries sustained by the infants were consistent with child abuse, asserted a medical practitioner in communication with the investigators. The doctor further stated in a criminal complaint that the injuries were inflicted, not natural or accidental.
On being questioned by the police, Virzi claimed that she left the baby on his own in a bouncer, went to the kitchen to get a feeding bottle, and, upon her return, found him fallen on the floor screaming with a head injury. Virzi also admitted that she alerted the parents about the injury that Leon’s twin had suffered earlier.
Denying any foul play, Virzi, through her legal counsel, declared she was innocent. David Shrager, Virzi’s attorney, reported that Virzi is pursuing a PhD in clinical psychology. Shrager also stated that Virzi is a long-term family friend of the infant’s parents.
The attorney further noted Virzi’s clean record, stating that she had no prior criminal history, and expressed eagerness for a day in court. Nicole Virzi is currently facing charges of homicide, aggravated assault, and child endangerment. As of now, she is being held in the Allegheny County Jail without bail. A court hearing is planned for June 28. At this time, it is not clear when the baby passed away or the exact date of Virzi’s arrest.