Parents Rebuild Lives Two Years After Infant's Alleged Murder by Friend
Nicole Virzi faces trial for homicide and aggravated assault in the death of her friend's baby and injury to his twin.
Ethan Katz and Savannah Roberts, parents of an infant allegedly murdered by a close family friend, have spent the past two years rebuilding their lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Their son, Leon, died in June 2024 after suffering a skull fracture and multiple brain bleeds. His twin brother sustained serious injuries in the same alleged incident.
Trial Approaches
The accused, Nicole Virzi, then 29, was entrusted with babysitting the six-and-a-half-week-old twins at the Katzes’ home. She was arrested the following morning after returning to her nearby Airbnb. Virzi, now 32, is the daughter of a New York cardiologist and was reportedly weeks away from earning her PhD in clinical psychology at UC-San Diego. She faces a possible death sentence if convicted. Her court hearing is scheduled for October 28, ahead of her trial.
A New Beginning
Following the alleged attack, the couple moved from Pittsburgh's Shadyside neighborhood to a family-friendly area nearby. The parents were recently observed bonding with their two-year-old son, Ari, at a playground. These moments of normalcy offer a stark contrast to the harrowing ordeal they experienced.
The family experienced rare moments of peace last month, including hosting playdates and spending time with friends, ahead of Virzi's upcoming trial. The case began after Virzi was entrusted with the care of the infants in June 2024.