Northeast
Ph.D. student specializing in depression charged with killing friend’s infant while babysitting twins
Two parents put their twin babies’ lives in the hands of a “trusted family friend,” who allegedly killed one of the boys and abused the other, according to prosecutors.
Nicole Virzi, a fifth-year Ph.D. student specializing in research about depression’s effect on human behavior, babysat 6-week-old twin boys, Leon and Ari Katz, on June 16.
That’s the day Leon died. Virzi said he fell from his bouncer chair after she woke up from a nap and walked away to get a bottle.
But doctors who examined the baby’s injuries found a skull fracture on the left side of his head and several brain bleeds “consistent with having been sustained as a result of child abuse,” WTAE reported.
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Nicole Virzi, 29, was charged with homicide, three counts of aggravated assault and two counts of child endangerment. She pleaded not guilty. (Allegheny County Jail)
Virzi, 29, was arrested by police near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where she was babysitting the kids, and charged with homicide, three counts of aggravated assault and two counts of child endangerment.
There were allegedly signs of abuse on the other baby, too, according to prosecutors.
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She pleaded not guilty, and maintains her innocence, her lawyer, David Shrager, said.
“There are extremely disturbing allegations,” Shrager told Fox News Digital, “and she denies any intentional behavior.”
Ethan and Savannah Katz hold their twin boys before one was allegedly killed by the family’s friend. (GoFundMe)
Virzi is the daughter of a respected Manhattan cardiologist and was a few steps from the finish line to getting her Ph.D., according to Shrager.
She has no criminal history, is backed by “a loving and supportive family,” and is a “close family friend of the deceased child’s parents and has a long relationship with them,” he said.
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Just three days before the alleged homicide, Virzi discussed her new research paper in a video on Heart and Mind Journal Office’s X page, which has since been taken down.
Heart and Mind Journal Office couldn’t be reached for comment.
The doctors’ medical exam on baby Leon details disturbing wounds.
Screen grab of Nicole Virzi’s bio as a Ph.D. student at San Diego State University/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology’s website. (San Diego State University/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology)
“The injuries sustained by both (twins are) consistent with having been sustained as a result of child abuse, as these are inflicted injuries that are not natural and not accidental,” a doctor told detectives, according to a report by WTAE, based on the criminal complaint.
The baby’s death was ruled a homicide. Virzi is currently being held in the Allegheny County Jail in Pennsylvania.
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“Leon Katz, a beautiful and healthy six-week old baby boy, was tragically killed under horrific circumstances,” according to a GoFundMe set up on behalf of his parents, Savannah and Ethan Katz.
“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.”
GO HERE FOR MORE TRUE CRIME FROM FOX NEWS DIGITAL
Screen grab of Nicole Virzi’s bio as a Ph.D. student. (San Diego State University/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology)
Virzi wrote in her bio on the San Diego State University/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology’s website that her research “aims to explore the complex interplay between psychological factors – such as depression, stress, negative affect, and trauma – and critical health outcomes and behaviors – such as metabolic syndrome, heart disease, obesity, eating behavior, and exercise.”
“I am particularly interested in exploring these relationships within female and trauma-exposed populations,” Virzi wrote in her bio.
“By concentrating on these relationships, my research aims to shed light on the unique challenges and opportunities for intervention within these vulnerable groups.”
Read the full article from Here
A rideshare driver suspected of assaulting a passenger at Boston Logan International Airport on Friday is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday.
Leonard Bacon, 23, was found in Lowell, where he lives, and taken into custody on Sunday, Massachusetts State Police said. He’s charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon causing serious bodily injury.
It wasn’t immediately clear if Bacon, who’s due to face the charge in East Boston District Court, had an attorney who could speak for him.
Police didn’t share more details on what Bacon is accused of doing. They’ve previously said that the rideshare passenger entered Terminal C just before 5:30 a.m. and reported that they had been physically assaulted by their driver prior to being dropped off.
After the passenger got out of the vehicle, the rideshare driver left the scene, according to police, who alerted area law enforcement agencies to look out for the suspect. The victim was taken to a Boston-area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police added.
Police are looking for a rideshare driver who was reported to have assaulted a passenger right before drop-off at Boston’s Logan airport.
In a statement, Uber said they’ve checked in with the rider and removed the driver’s access to their rideshare platform.
“We are horrified by this reported violence,” a representative for the company said in a statement, adding, “Our specialized team has been in touch with law enforcement, and we will continue to do whatever we can to support their investigation.”
PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates made a much-needed move ahead of the 2026 All-Star Game, bringing in another infielder and bullpen arm to improve the MLB lineup. Even with the addition of left-hander Brandon Eisert, the Buccos are still seeking further upgrades to their struggling bullpen.
The Pirates now have a few weeks until this year’s Trade Deadline, but they are expected to be active up until the final minutes.
That’s why the organization has to shoot for the stars and target San Diego Padres closer Mason Miller. The Pittsburgh-native is one of the latest names to land on the trade rumor mill, and it’s the perfect opportunity for the Pirates to take their bullpen to the next level.
Why Miller Makes Sense for Pirates
There is a rising sense that the All-Star closer is heading out of San Diego. Despite being one of the top relievers in the MLB this season, toting an ERA of 0.91 and picking up 25 saves in 39 innings pitched, he’s on the trade block.
In a recent article for USA Today, Bob Nightengale noted that the MLB is paying close attention to the Padres, with many expecting them to be a selling team as they plummet further in the standings.
“Rival executives are intrigued to see whether A.J. Preller trades Padres All-Star closer Mason Miller at the deadline with their team spiraling downward,” he wrote. “But they laugh at the notion they will receive anything close to the package they surrendered to the Athletics to acquire him.”
That’s exactly what the Pirates need to hear. Yes, they have a solid closer right now in Gregory Soto. He’s been a wonderful replacement with Dennis Santana regressing, but it hasn’t solved the bullpen’s issues.
With Miller on board as the new closer, it gives the Pirates two shutdown arms. With Soto and Miller ready to close games, it brings their mediocre bullpen to suddenly playoff-worthy.
What Would Pirates Need to Give Up for Miller?
As Nightengale noted, the Padres gave up an arm and a leg to bring Miller in last year. They parted with their number two prospect at the time, but the sentiment is that there is not as strong a market for the bullpen arm in 2026.
That’s huge news for the Pirates as well, who have plenty of young players they consider expendable.
Would a package centered around a pitcher like Antwone Kelly or Thomas Harrington be enough to entice the struggling Padres? For the Pirates, it would be a loss to give up either young arm, but the return and hopeful playoff push is beyond worth it.
Make sure to visit Pirates OnSI for the latest news, updates, interviews and insight on the Pittsburgh Pirates!
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DANBURY, Conn. (WTNH) — Danbury drivers can expect hours-long closures on Sugar Hollow Road early Monday morning after a “serious” crash, according to local police.
Police said the morning crash has caused closures in both directions at the Ridgefield Line (Bennetts Farm Road) and at Miry Brook Road.
The road is expected to close for approximately three to four hours, police said.
Drivers are asked to seek alternate routes, including George Washington Highway and Route 53.
There are no words on injuries.
Additional information was not immediately available.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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