Accused killer and doctoral student Nicole Virzi spoke out about symptoms of depression in women days before she allegedly killed a six-week-old baby and injured her twin brother.
Virzi, 29, was captured in a now-disturbing video discussing her research into depression in women just days before little Leon Katz died while in her care, police said.
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The University of California San Diego student was accused of murdering the newborn and injuring his twin brother Ari on June 16 while babysitting 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-mysterious way. video posted by academic publication.
Virzi explained how “somatic symptoms of depression may be important for the development of risk factors for ischemic heart disease and major adverse cardiovascular events” in women.
She and seven other authors studied how symptoms of depression and other variables could be “predictors” of cardiac events in the female population.
Virzi has been working towards completing his doctorate in Clinical Psychology since 2019.
The psychology student is now accused of murdering Katz after the newborn suffered a fractured skull and multiple bleeds, according to ABC affiliate WTAE.
His brother, Ari, reportedly suffered an injury to his groin area.
Katz was reportedly injured while his parents were taking his brother to the hospital in Pittsburgh for treatment.
Virzi told police he left Katz to get a bottle when he heard screams and said he had fallen off the bouncer.
However, the coroner disputed their claims, saying both boys’ injuries were “consistent with having been sustained as a result of child abuse” and could not have been “natural” or “accidental.”
Virzi was charged with murder, aggravated assault and child welfare endangerment.
She denies any wrongdoing.
Her attorney, David Shrager, maintained her innocence, saying, “She’s going to be 30 years old. She’s a doctoral student… And like I said, she doesn’t show any criminal history in her background and we look forward to getting to court.”
Virzi is being held in the Allegheny County Jail.
Virzi is expected to appear in court on June 28 for a preliminary hearing.
Her lawyer said he hopes to “make some changes” to her charges since she has no criminal record.
The Katz family remembers their newborn as a “happy, smiling, goofy boy,” according to a GoFundMe.
The fundraiser had raised more than $55,000 as of Saturday night and the money will be used to cover funeral expenses, medical bills, baby supplies and moving costs.
“In addition to dealing with the unbearable loss of their beloved son Leon, Savannah and Ethan are facing significant financial burdens,” the fundraiser stated.
The six-week-old boy’s death occurred on Ethan’s first Father’s Day, as well as his parents’ first wedding anniversary, the GoFundMe revealed.
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GoFundMe Statement
A FRIEND of Leon Katz’s parents, Isabella Kahhale, has created a GoFundMe appeal to raise money for medical and funeral expenses. In the appeal, she wrote:
“Leon Katz, a beautiful, healthy six-week-old baby boy, was tragically killed under horrific circumstances on June 16, 2024. First-time parents Savannah and Ethan welcomed him and his twin brother Ari to the world in May 2024.
“A trusted family friend was arrested for murder, child endangerment and aggravated assault suffered by the boys.
“In addition to dealing with the unbearable loss of their beloved son Leon, Savannah and Ethan face significant financial burdens.
“Funds raised will cover funeral expenses, medical bills resulting from injuries suffered by Leon and Ari, essential baby supplies, and relocation costs as they navigate this difficult time.
“Leon will always be remembered as a happy, smiling, goofy boy. His untimely and tragic death deeply impacted the Pittsburgh community, coming on Ethan’s first Father’s Day and his parents’ first wedding anniversary.
“While financial support is crucial, Ethan, Savannah and Ari are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love they have received. Your messages of support mean so much 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.”
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
