Woman pleads guilty to murdering best friend’s 6-week-old son, said she had compulsion to harm kids
A plea in Pittsburgh court
Virzi is a University of California San Diego doctoral student and had been a close friend of the twins’ mother, Savannah Roberts. She was visiting Pittsburgh and helping babysit newborn twins Leon and Ari Katz in 2024.
The twins’ injuries
Late one night, Virzi called police and said Leon had fallen from a baby bouncer. He was taken to a nearby children’s hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The criminal complaint said Leon’s death was caused by blunt force trauma to the head and ruled a homicide. Investigators also determined that Virzi caused the injuries to Ari that led the family to leave Leon in her care.
Family and prosecutors respond
Prosecutors said Virzi exploited her trusted relationship with the family to put herself in a position to commit the crimes. They described the case as horrific.
Key points
- Nicole Virzi pleaded guilty to third-degree murder and other charges in Leon Katz’s death.
- Leon was 6 weeks old, and his death was ruled a homicide caused by blunt force trauma to the head.
- Investigators determined Virzi also caused injuries to Leon’s twin brother, Ari.
- Prosecutors said the plea agreement will likely keep Virzi in prison for life.