A woman from San Diego, who is pursuing her doctorate in psychology, has been accused of causing the death of one twin baby and physically harming the other during a visit to the twins’ parents in Pittsburgh’s Shadyside neighborhood.
Authorities have accused Nicole Virzi, 29, of causing a severe skull fracture that tragically resulted in the death of 6-and-a-half-week old Leon Katz. According to reports, a CT scan revealed a fracture on the left side of the head, along with multiple brain bleeds.
The attorney representing Virzi states that the parents of the twins have a close friendship with the defendant. She is currently being detained at the Allegheny County Jail.
“Our client vehemently denies any wrongdoing.” “Our client has a completely clean criminal record,” stated attorney David Shrager.
According to the criminal complaint, Virzi was looking after infant Leon Katz at the parents’ apartment in Shadyside. The parents had taken the baby’s twin brother to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh because Virzi had noticed injuries to the twin’s genital area.
A doctor informed detectives that the injuries sustained by both twins are consistent with being caused by child abuse. These injuries were not natural or accidental, but rather inflicted.
According to Virzi, she entered the family’s kitchen to retrieve a baby bottle when she heard the baby crying. According to her statement to the police, upon her return, she discovered the baby on the floor, no longer in the bouncer seat.
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She dialed emergency services. According to her statement to the police, she was the one who witnessed the injury to the other twin earlier and promptly informed the parents as reported by WTAE News.
According to online sources, Virzi is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in clinical psychology at the University of California at San Diego as a fifth-year candidate.
She is facing charges of homicide, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of children.
Virzi’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 28.