PhD student Nicole Virzi spoke about depression in women days before ‘killing six-week-old Leon Katz’ & injuring brother
ACCUSED murderer and PhD student Nicole Virzi spoke about depression symptoms in women days before allegedly killing a six-week-old baby and injuring his twin brother.
Virzi, 29, was captured in a now-disturbing video discussing her research on depression in women just days before little Leon Katz died while in her care, police said.
'Allegheny County JailNicole Virzi, 29, spoke about depression in women days before murdering her friend’s newborn baby, according to police[/caption]
GoFund MeVirzi killed the newborn and injured his twin brother Ari on June 16 while babysitting for family friends Savannah and Ethan Katz, cops said[/caption]
GoFund MeVirzi was charged with homicide, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of children[/caption]
The University of California San Diego student has been accused of murdering the newborn and injuring his twin brother Ari on June 16 while babysitting for family friends Savannah and Ethan Katz.
Virzi is the author of a 2022 study published by Heart and Mind Journal.
On June 13, just days before the attack, she discussed her research in a now-eerie video posted by the academic publication.
Virzi explained how “somatic symptoms of depression may be important to the development of ischemic heart disease risk factors and major adverse cardiovascular events” in women.
She and seven other authors studied how depression symptoms and other variables could be “predictors” of cardiac events in the female population.
Virzi has been working to complete a PhD in Clinical Psychology since 2019.
The psychology student is now accused of murdering Katz after the newborn suffered a fracture to his skull and several bleeds, according to ABC affiliate WTAE.
His brother, Ari, allegedly suffered an injury to his groin area.
Katz was allegedly hurt while his parents took his brother to the hospital in Pittsburgh for treatment.
Virzi told police that she left Katz to go get a bottle when she heard screaming and said he had fallen out of his bouncer.
However, the medical examiner disputed her claims, saying both boys’ injuries are “consistent with having been sustained as a result of child abuse” and it could not have been “natural” or “accidental.”
Virzi was charged with homicide, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of children.
She denies any wrongdoing.
Her lawyer, David Shrager, defended her innocence, saying: “She’s going to be 30 years old. She’s a Ph.D. student… And as I’ve said, it doesn’t show any criminal history in her background and we’re anxious to get our day in court.”
Virzi is being held at Allegheny County Jail.
Virzi is expected to appear in court on June 28 for a preliminary hearing.
Her attorney said they hope to “make some changes” to her charges as she has no criminal background.
The Katz family remembers their newborn as a “happy, smiley, goofy baby boy,” according to a GoFundMe.
The fundraiser has raised more than $55,000 as of Saturday night and the money will be used to cover funeral expenses, medical bills, baby supplies, and relocation costs.
“In addition to coping with the unbearable loss of their beloved son Leon, Savannah and Ethan are facing significant financial burdens,” the fundraiser claimed.
The six-week-old’s death fell on Ethan’s first Father’s Day, as well as his parents’ first wedding anniversary, the GoFundMe revealed.
X/Nicole_VirziVirzi told police that she left Katz to go get a bottle when she heard screaming and said he had fallen out of his bouncer, but the medical examiner disputed this[/caption]
X/emmamparrishHer lawyer, David Shrager, defended her innocence, saying: “She’s going to be 30 years old. She’s a Ph.D. student… And as I’ve said, it doesn’t show any criminal history in her background and we’re anxious to get our day in court”[/caption]
GoFundMe Statement
A FRIEND of Leon Katz’s parents, Isabella Kahhale, has set up a GoFundMe appeal to raise money for funeral and medical expenses. In the appeal, she wrote:
“Leon Katz, a beautiful and healthy six-week-old baby boy, was tragically killed under horrific circumstances on June 16, 2024. First-time parents Savannah and Ethan joyfully welcomed him and his twin brother Ari into the world in May 2024.
“A trusted family friend has been arrested for homicide, child endangerment, and aggravated assault that the boys experienced.
“In addition to coping with the unbearable loss of their beloved son Leon, Savannah and Ethan are facing significant financial burdens.
“Funds raised will cover funeral expenses, medical bills resulting from injuries sustained by both Leon and Ari, essential baby supplies, and relocation costs as they navigate this difficult time.
“Leon will always be remembered as a happy, smiley, goofy baby boy. His untimely and tragic death has deeply impacted the Pittsburgh community, occurring on Ethan’s first Father’s Day and the parents’ first wedding anniversary.
“While financial support is crucial, Ethan, Savannah, and Ari are profoundly grateful for the outpouring of love they have received. Your messages of support mean the world to them as they begin to heal from this unimaginable loss.
“Thank you for keeping the Katz family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly challenging journey.”
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