Nicole Virzi to serve 35 years after killing 6-week-old Leon Katz

Nicole Virzi, 32, will spend at least 35 years in prison after pleading guilty to the murder of her best friend's infant son. The Allegheny County District Attorney's Office announced the plea deal on Wednesday, ending a case that had originally carried the possibility of the death penalty.

Virzi, a doctoral student at the University of California San Diego, was visiting Pittsburgh in June 2024 to help care for Savannah Roberts and Ethan Katz's newborn twins, Leon and Ari. During the visit, the parents took Ari to the hospital after finding wounds on his body. Virzi offered to watch Leon while they were away. That night, she called police to report that the 6-week-old had fallen from a baby bouncer. He was pronounced dead at a nearby children's hospital.

Investigators found the injuries inconsistent with a fall from such a low height. The criminal complaint filed by Pittsburgh police ruled the death a homicide caused by blunt force trauma to the head. Police also determined that Virzi caused the injuries found on Ari, which had prompted the parents to leave Leon in her care.

In court, Virzi told investigators she had an uncontrollable compulsion to harm children. Prosecutors noted that she used her trusted relationship with the family to position herself to commit the acts. The district attorney's office stated that they agreed to the plea after consulting with the family and considering the community's protection.

Savannah Roberts, Leon's mother, addressed Judge Jill E. Rangos in a letter describing the lasting impact of the tragedy. Roberts said she felt unrecognizable from her former self and that her self-confidence was shattered. She wrote that she could not forgive herself for failing to protect her babies. Roberts also noted that it took nearly a year for her to use the bathroom or shower alone after learning that Virzi had hurled Leon to the bathroom floor, fracturing his skull.

The couple, who are twins themselves, had always dreamed of having twins. Roberts expressed worry that she will never be able to let their surviving son, Ari, out of her sight. She told the judge she has never left Ari alone with a friend and does not know if she ever will. Ethan Katz stood outside the bathroom door to talk to her and hold Ari so she could see him was safe.

Phil DiLucente, a criminal law attorney and legal analyst, said it is highly unlikely a parole board will ever release Virzi. He described the case as bizarre, noting that Virzi flew across the country to visit her best friend before committing a premeditated act. DiLucente said Virzi does not fit the typical mitigating factors considered for parole. An attorney for Virzi was not immediately available for comment.

The sentence requires Virzi to serve the full minimum term of 35 years before becoming eligible for parole. The plea agreement downgraded the original charge of capital murder to third-degree murder and other counts. The family received the news as a resolution to a case that deeply affected their daily lives and trust in others.