PhD student, 29, accused of murdering friends’ newborn baby and injuring infant’s twin is daughter of top NYC cardiologist

The PhD student accused of killing her friends’ newborn baby and injuring his twin brother is the daughter of a prominent New York cardiologist.

Nicole Virzi, 29, is accused of killing six-and-a-half-week-old Leon Katz in his Pittsburgh home on what was his father’s first Father’s Day — and his parents’ first wedding anniversary.

Her father, Peter J Virzi, is a top cardiologist at Mt. Sinai Doctors in Manhattan and is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.

Virzi, who earned a degree in clinical psychology from San Diego State, was a “trusted friend” of the babies’ parents, Ethan Katz and Savannah Roberts.

Police say she allegedly killed the child while they were at the hospital with his twin brother Ari, who they say was also attacked by Virzi.

‘I have no words. I am absolutely shocked. I had no idea,” a colleague and friend of Virzi told the newspaper New York Post.

The friend said Virzi “had some interpersonal issues,” but they didn’t know she was violent.

“I’d say she was a little rigid. She was nice. But very driven and motivated.’

DailyMail.com contacted the suspect’s father for comment but did not receive a response.

Virzi was charged with murder, child endangerment and aggravated assault, but denies any wrongdoing.

Her attorney, David Shrager, has maintained Virzi’s innocence and said she plans to plead not guilty.

‘She’s clearly devastated. She is very distraught and deeply sad. She said it was nothing intentional,” Shrager told The Post.

‘We are conducting an in-depth investigation. She has no criminal history. We will do our best to give her a fair trial in court. This is a case involving a dead child and a young lady in jail. There should be no speculation before the matter goes to trial,” he added.

a GoFundMe The plot for the devastated couple says Leon ‘tragically died under horrific circumstances’ and a ‘trusted family friend’ has been arrested.

‘Leon will always be remembered as a happy, smiley, goofy baby boy. His untimely and tragic death has had a profound impact on the Pittsburgh community,” the donation page said.

In photos taken just days before the tragedy, the bright-eyed twins were seen standing side by side in rompers with their names embroidered on them.

As of Sunday morning, the page has raised more than $55,000 for the heartbroken parents and their surviving son.

The accused killer continued to babysit little Leon while his parents were with his twin brother Ari at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh after Virzi said she noticed an injury in his groin area, police said.

She told police she went to the kitchen to get Katz a bottle when she suddenly heard screaming.

When she returned, she said the baby had fallen out of his rocker. She then called 911 around 11:17 p.m.

“The injuries suffered by both (twins) are consistent with those of child abuse because these are injuries that are not natural and not accidental,” a doctor told investigators, according to court documents.

Virzi is being held in the Allegheny County Jail without bail A preliminary hearing will be held on June 28.

Her LinkedIn profile indicates she is a fifth-year clinical psychology candidate for the SDSU/UC San Diego Joint Doctoral Program.

Her professional biography states 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 behaviors, and exercise.” ‘

She added, “I am particularly interested in exploring these relationships within female and trauma-exposed populations.”

‘By focusing on these relationships, my research aims to shed light on the unique challenges and opportunities for intervention within these vulnerable groups.’

The babies’ mother previously interacted with Virzi on X, as Roberts called her “incredible work” in January 2022.

In May 2021, Roberts said, “You’re going to do a GREAT job! I’m curious about your experiences!’