San Diego Woman Faces Homicide Charges in Twin’s Death
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Nicole Elizabeth Virzi, a 29-year-old San Diego woman, is facing charges of homicide, aggravated assault, and child endangerment after the death of a 6-week-old twin in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. While babysitting the twins, Virzi claims one child fell from a bouncer seat, leading to fatal injuries. However, medical reports indicate the child suffered blunt force trauma inconsistent with an accidental fall. The surviving twin was also found to have bruising and swelling. Virzi denies the allegations, with her defense attorney arguing the incident was a tragic accident. The case has drawn national attention, with USPA’s Brian Fitzgibbons joining a panel to provide forensic and legal analysis. Fitzgibbons emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing the medical evidence to uncover the truth. As the case unfolds, forensic testimony will play a key role in determining Virzi’s guilt or innocence.
San Diego Woman Faces Murder Charges for Twin’s Death While Babysitting in Pittsburgh
Brian Fitzgibbons Joins Expert Panel to Profile the Case
Pittsburgh, PA September 13, 2024 — In an unfolding case that has gripped both Pennsylvania and California, a San Diego woman faces multiple charges, including homicide, after the death of a 6-week-old twin she was babysitting in Pittsburgh. Nicole Elizabeth Virzi, 29, is currently being held in a Pittsburgh jail without bail following allegations of criminal homicide, three counts of aggravated assault, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child. Her case has drawn national attention, with Brian Fitzgibbons, joining an all-star panel to profile the intricate details surrounding the charges.
In cases involving children, especially those as young as the Katz twins, it’s critical to ensure that all forensic evidence is meticulously analyzed. The signs of blunt force trauma and the discrepancies between Virzi’s account and the medical findings will be a significant focus of the panel’s analysis"
The Accusations and Defense
Virzi’s defense attorney, David Shrager, has been vocal in asserting his client’s innocence, describing the incident as a “purely accidental” tragedy. According to reports from WPXI, Virzi, a Ph.D. student visiting from California, was babysitting the twin boys when the fatal injuries occurred on June 15. Virzi has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that she was changing one of the twins when she noticed bruising and swelling. She immediately informed the parents, who rushed the baby to the hospital. Later that night, while Virzi was left alone with the second twin, Leon Katz, she claims the infant fell out of a bouncer seat, leading to his death shortly afterward.
Shrager emphasized the importance of not jumping to conclusions, urging the public to await the full release of facts:
“I would ask the public to always listen to the facts and not jump to conclusions,” Shrager told local media. “Accidents happen. It’s a sad, awful thing, but that doesn’t necessarily mean someone is culpable.”
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Blunt Force Trauma and the Allegations of Child Abuse
Despite Virzi’s claims of accidental injury, medical reports cast a far darker shadow on the case. Doctors at UPMC Children’s Hospital determined that the infant’s injuries were not consistent with a simple fall. According to the autopsy conducted by the Allegheny County Medical Examiner’s Office, the cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head, which is commonly associated with intentional violence. Additionally, Leon Katz’s surviving twin brother sustained visible bruises, scratches, and swelling, further raising suspicions of child abuse.
The criminal complaint paints a chilling picture. Virzi initially told police she had fallen asleep while Leon was in a bouncer seat, only to wake up and find him screaming on the floor with a large bump on the left side of his head. But further medical examination revealed multiple brain bleeds and a severe skull fracture, injuries that authorities argue are indicative of child abuse, not an accidental fall.
When it comes to such severe allegations, every detail matters. The forensics will tell the story here, and it will be my job to ensure that both the strengths and the weaknesses of the medical and testimonial evidence are presented clearly to the jury.”
Awaiting Justice
Nicole Virzi remains in custody without bail, awaiting her next court date. As legal proceedings begin, it is clear that this case will hinge on the interplay of medical evidence, witness testimony, and expert analysis. Brian Fitzgibbons and his panel of experts will continue to dissect the evolving evidence, providing insight and clarity into the tragic death of Leon Katz and the injuries to his twin brother.
About the Author
Michael Evans, founder of USPA Nationwide Security, built a global security powerhouse with a strong focus on philanthropy. A former law enforcement officer with over 1,000 cases closed by arrest across local and federal agencies, Evans established USPA in 2005, transforming the company into a leader in security services.
Michael Evans
Strategic Advisor
Email: mevans@uspasecurity.com
Phone: (800) 214-1448
“California woman charged with homicide in Shadyside baby’s death.” TribLIVE, https://triblive.com/local/california-woman-charged-with-homicide-in-shadyside-babys-death/.
“Pittsburgh infant dies ‘as a result of child abuse;’ babysitter from San Diego charged in killing.” CBS News Pittsburgh, https://www.cbsnews.com/amp/pittsburgh/news/pittsburgh-baby-dies-child-abuse-twin-brother-injuries-california-woman-babysitter-charged/.
“Early Bird or Fleeing Felon? Glam PhD Babysitter Charged in Murder, Leaving 5 AM.” YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8-TUq3M32Ew.
