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San Diego woman pleads guilty in the killing of her best friend's baby
Los Angeles Times • • nation
Key Points:
- Nicole Virzi, a 32-year-old friend from San Diego, pleaded guilty to the 2024 death of 6-week-old Leon Katz and the abuse of his twin brother in Pittsburgh, admitting to intentionally harming the babies due to a lifelong compulsion to hurt children.
- Leon suffered fatal injuries including a severe skull fracture and multiple brain bleeds consistent with child abuse, while his twin brother Ari survived but was also physically abused.
- Virzi faces 35 to 80 years in prison after pleading guilty to third-degree murder, aggravated assault, and child endangerment charges.
- The abuse occurred during Virzi’s visit to meet the twins, when she offered to babysit Leon and inflicted the injuries that led to his death; she initially reported the death as an accidental fall.
- The twins’ mother, Savannah Roberts, expressed profound grief and shock, highlighting her ongoing fear for Ari’s safety but also noting that Ari is currently doing well and brings her joy despite the tragedy.
