Family friend charged over twin incident

In a shocking incident, a trusted family friend and Ph.D. The student, Nicole Virzi, has been charged with the murder of a twin boy and the abuse of her brother. The 29-year-old was babysitting six-week-old twins Leon and Ari Katz when the alleged crime took place. Virzi claimed Leon had fallen from his chair, but a medical examination revealed a fractured skull and multiple brain bleeds consistent with child abuse.

The tragedy unfolded on June 16, the day León died. Virzi, who is studying the effects of depression on human behavior, was arrested near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She was charged with murder, three counts of aggravated assault and two counts of child endangerment. Prosecutors also allege signs of abuse on the surviving twin, Ari.

Despite the serious allegations, Virzi maintains his innocence and has pleaded not guilty. His attorney, David Shrager, said the charges are extremely disturbing, but Virzi denies any intentional behavior.

Virzi, the daughter of a respected Manhattan cardiologist, was about to complete her Ph.D. and has no criminal record. He has the support of a supportive family and has a long relationship with the dead child's parents.

Medical examination of the surviving twin also revealed injuries consistent with child abuse. Baby Leon's death was officially ruled a homicide, and Virzi is currently being held at the Allegheny County Jail in Pennsylvania.

A GoFundMe has been set up on behalf of the grieving parents, Savannah and Ethan Katz. The tragic incident has deeply affected the Pittsburgh community, especially when it occurred on Ethan's first Father's Day. The GoFundMe page describes Leon as a “beautiful, healthy six-week-old boy” who was “tragically killed in horrific circumstances” and will always be remembered as a “happy, smiling, crazy boy.”

Virzi's research, as noted in his biography on the San Diego State University/UC San Diego joint doctoral program in clinical psychology website, focuses on the interaction between psychological factors and outcomes and critical health behaviors. Her work specifically targets female and trauma-exposed populations, with the goal of elucidating the unique challenges and opportunities for intervention within these vulnerable groups.