PhD Student’s Alleged Confession in Baby’s Death Case Revealed as Judge Rules It Can Be Used at Trial

A former PhD student accused of killing her best friend’s six-week-old baby allegedly told police she repeatedly shook and dropped the infant after becoming angry while babysitting him, according to statements described in court proceedings.

Nicole Virzi, who was pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology, is charged in connection with the June 2024 death of Leon Katz and injuries allegedly inflicted on his twin brother, Ari, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The case has drawn renewed attention following a judge’s decision in February 2026 to allow prosecutors to use Virzi’s recorded statements to investigators as evidence at trial.

The Baby’s Death Triggered an Investigation

Virzi was visiting her longtime friend, Savannah Roberts, and Roberts’ husband, Ethan Katz, when the incident occurred.

On June 15, 2024, the parents reportedly took Ari to the hospital after concerns arose about injuries to the infant. Leon remained at home with Virzi.

Later that night, Virzi called emergency services and reported that Leon had been injured after apparently falling from a baby seat. The infant was taken to hospital, where he died from severe head injuries.

The Allegheny County medical examiner determined that Leon’s death resulted from blunt-force trauma to the head. Medical professionals also reported injuries to Ari that investigators believed were inconsistent with an ordinary accident.

Virzi was subsequently arrested and charged with criminal homicide, aggravated assault and endangering the welfare of children. She has pleaded not guilty.

What Prosecutors Say She Told Police

According to court reporting, investigators questioned Virzi for several hours about the injuries and the circumstances surrounding Leon’s death.

Prosecutors say she eventually changed her account and admitted to intentionally shaking and dropping Leon several times. During the recorded interview, she allegedly described becoming angry after feeling that she had been expected to take on babysitting responsibilities during her visit.

She also reportedly told investigators that she had experienced urges to hurt children from a young age.

These statements form a significant part of the prosecution’s case. However, they remain evidence to be evaluated in the legal proceedings and should not be confused with a guilty plea.

Virzi’s defense attorneys challenged the admissibility of the statements, arguing that the lengthy interrogation was coercive and that her admissions were not voluntary.

Judge Rejects Bid to Suppress the Statements

In February 2026, Allegheny County Common Pleas Judge Jill Rangos rejected the defense request to exclude the recorded interview.

The judge reportedly considered the circumstances of the questioning, including Virzi’s opportunity to speak with an attorney and her parents before making the statements. She concluded that the statements could be admitted as evidence.

The ruling does not determine whether Virzi is guilty. It means the prosecution may present the statements to a jury, subject to the court’s procedures.

The Case Continues

Prosecutors had previously announced plans to seek the death penalty, but reporting in June 2026 indicated that they later withdrew that request.

A jury trial had been scheduled for October 1, 2026, but it did not proceed on that date. As of the latest publicly available reporting, a replacement trial date had not been confirmed.

Virzi continues to deny the charges, and the prosecution must prove its case in court.

For Leon’s family, the case concerns the loss of a six-week-old child and the search for answers about what happened while he was in another person’s care. The court proceedings will determine how the evidence, including Virzi’s recorded statements, is ultimately assessed.

Source:  DAILYMAIL