PA - infant Leon Katz murdered, twin injured, allegedly by babysitter, Pittsburgh- June 24, 2024 #2

[gucci2times]

Notice of Privacy

My mouth is on the floor in horror!

 

[nhmemorymaker]

My apologies for the delay — I’ve been travelling extensively. There have been some really thoughtful points over the past few days. I’ve also been doing more reading, including the filings in the omnibus motion, and I want to clarify a couple of things and explain where I’m coming from.

First, on the medical side:
Child-abuse pediatrics is a field where experts often work under enormous emotional pressure, especially when a baby has died. There is a well-documented tendency for some practitioners to approach cases with a confirmation mindset — not out of bad faith, but because the subject matter is so emotive and the stakes so high. Group-think can happen, and second opinions have changed causes of death in more cases than many people realise. That doesn’t mean anyone here is wrong; only that early medical conclusions shouldn’t automatically be treated as infallible.

And at this stage, we still don’t know what exact bouncer or bassinet was used, how it was positioned, or how the baby was placed in it. Without those specifics, none of us can say definitively what was or wasn’t mechanically possible. That part will have to come out through testimony.

Second, on the mechanics and the injuries:
Several posters have made a strong case that a 6-week-old is extremely unlikely to exit a seat on their own, and that the force involved is a central question. I agree this will be a major point of dispute. But again, until we know the exact device, its setup, and whether it was used correctly, I think it’s reasonable to reserve judgment.

Third, on the confession:
This is where things become complicated. According to the filings, Nicole had around 3 hours of sleep, was jet-lagged, and was kept locked in an interview room for nearly 13 hours, crying, shivering, repeatedly asking for her parents, and was told there were cameras in the apartment before any incriminating statements were made. Under those conditions, the reliability of what she eventually said is highly suspect.

This isn’t hypothetical. There are well-documented cases where people confessed under similar stressors in child-injury investigations:

Adrian P. Thomas (New York) — Interrogated nearly 10 hours, repeatedly told he killed his baby and threatened with his wife’s arrest. Eventually agreed with the narrative police pushed. Later medical review showed the child died from sepsis, not abuse. Conviction overturned; charges dismissed.

Krystal Voss (Colorado) — Under intense pressure, she “confessed” to swinging her child into a wall — a scenario later shown to be medically impossible. Independent review undermined the initial diagnosis. Her conviction was vacated and she was exonerated.

Paul Ingram (Washington) — After lengthy interrogations and suggestive questioning, he came to believe he had committed acts he had never initially been accused of. A classic example of how highly suggestible individuals can internalise false narratives under pressure.

These cases aren’t identical, but they show that confessions — especially in emotionally charged child cases — must be evaluated in full context, not taken at face value.

Fourth, on behaviour (“why didn’t she…”, “why didn’t she say…”):
Some of Nicole’s actions are indeed difficult to interpret. But behaviour from someone exhausted, frightened, grieving, or panicking is rarely logical. Sometimes panic looks like deception; sometimes guilt looks like panic. Without the full picture, these cues aren’t diagnostic.

Where I currently stand:
She is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. And I personally have strong doubts the prosecution has yet dispelled. There are multiple layers here — medical interpretation, mechanism of injury, interrogation dynamics, procedural issues, and human behaviour under severe stress. Given how many cases nationally have shifted once all evidence was examined, I’d rather stay cautious and open-minded until this goes through the proper evidentiary process.

I fully respect that others here have formed firmer views. Let’s see how things play out.

I feel I am in the same camp....
Right now, I just really feel she was was pressured beyond reason....
I don't know if the parents have spoken recently.
I remember reading their early words... and their support and belief of their daughter's innocence was compelling. I better just say all is moo.

 

[Tortoise]

Just pulled part of your post out to comment on specifically...

Yes, as you said, she was told there were cameras in the apartment before any incriminating statements were made.

But I would say the same thing in slightly different wording:

Only after being told there were cameras in the apartment, did she make any incriminating statements (or confessions).

Or we could also say, she denied all accusations, until she was told there were cameras in the apartment. Then she began confessing (or making incriminating statements.)

In other words (my words), she lied and gave untruthful answers until they told her they had it all on camera. Then she began telling the truth. And all this happened soon after she was allowed to meet with her parents and also alone with her attorney.

And I wouldn't agree with your description of her mental and physical state when she made her incriminating statements. I think she was in better shape than you think she was at that time. Fresh from the attorney meeting. Also wouldn't her attorney have tried to call a halt to their interrogation of her if she was in any really bad condition? Maybe that wouldn't work, I don't really know.

It just really stands out to me that she changed her whole story after she thought she had been caught on video. I don't know any other way to interpret that.

I agree. It doesn't make sense that anyone, particularly someone with the intellectual abilities of this woman, would make up a scene that is different from what they believed the police would watch. No one thought that she was delusional or needed a psychiatric evaluation, she spoke to a lawyer, and was seen in person by detectives and her parents. She had a very experienced attorney and he didn't raise these concerns over several months of handling her case. It only changed when the death penalty came on the table and her attorney withdrew, which suggests to me that he was conflicted because she was sticking with her confession until that point. IMO

 

[katsrfun]

I’d really like to see the interrogation video and NV’s demeanor both before and after her admissions.

Why did she go back to her AirBnb after medics came to get Leon? She had been a longtime friend of the parents of LK, but didn’t go to the hospital with concern for the newborn and in support of his parents after the alleged accident.

What is NK’s current position about how LK was injured?
6-week old infants don’t just leap out of infant seats.

JMO

And, I would like to add, that a six week old infant does not have arms long enough to even reach their genitals. So, I don't know if anyone suggested that because babies notoriously have long fingernails that need to be clipped often, that the baby could have injured his own genitals. But look at a six week old baby, his arms couldn't reach his genitals if he tried. And, they don't have very much, if any control, of movements, so I am positive (as positive as I can be) that he didn't cause his own injuries and/or bleeding to the genital area. I don't think we have heard exactly what those injuries were, but I just thought I would mention this. Do we know (maybe I missed it) what exactly the injuries were besides blood being noted there? It must have been enough to take him to the hospital, and I don't believe that an infection to be bad enough to cause bleeding would have just started; meaning the parents would have noticed it before Nicole was there. MOO. Katt

I would like to add, as a second thought, surely she was upset during the police interview, but if she were that overtired, etc. why did they let her watch six week old twins? If my babysitter showed up and was what appeared to be very tired and stressed out, I would not let her stay and watch my babies. I would change my plans and tell her to go home and sleep. She had been shopping during the day, and to offer to watch the twins, how tired was she? MOO. Katt

 

[katsrfun]

I hear what you’re saying, and I understand why the timeline raises suspicions for some people. But I think it’s important not to oversimplify by assuming the twins were “healthy” before Nicole arrived. We actually don’t have full medical records yet, and infants — especially very young, premature, or recently circumcised babies — can have a wide range of underlying conditions that aren’t obvious to anyone, even parents.

Serious issues like breathing instability, undiagnosed infections, clotting problems, seizure disorders, cerebral vulnerabilities, metabolic conditions, or complications from recent medical procedures can all cause sudden deterioration in infants. Some of these conditions don’t show outward signs until a major event occurs. A baby can look “fine” one moment and be in crisis the next, without abuse ever being involved.

So while I understand why the surface narrative feels straightforward, we can’t treat “two healthy babies” as an established fact when their full medical histories, birth records, prior symptoms, and possible vulnerabilities haven’t been made public. Those details matter enormously in determining what actually happened.

That’s why I’m hesitant to draw conclusions before the medical evidence is fully examined. What looks simple on the outside is often far more complex once all the clinical information is laid out

Yes, but if the babies had problems prior to leaving them with Nicole, would they have left them with a sitter who had never seen the twins prior. If there was a chance she was going to see blood upon changing diapers, wouldn't they tell her rather than let her panic. I mean they could have adjusted their plans if there were any issues with the twins. And, if they wanted to go out and thought she would be fine caring for the infants, wouldn't they have warned her in advance that there were health issues with the twins. They felt comfortable enough leaving them with her, and she would be alone with them, if they had any acute or even chronic medical issues would you not inform the person about to take care of them? And, since everyone feels she is very smart, if she felt too tired for the task, couldn't she just tell the parents that she was too tired to watch two infants? MOO. Katt

 

[katsrfun]

I don't think the issues in this case will hinge on prior medical condition or expert opinion on whether or not this was shaken baby syndrome. It's not disputed the baby sustained head injury in a fall to the floor.

The questions will be (in my opinion) was it possible for him, by himself, to have come out of the bouncer and fallen to the floor, and was weight, distance and surface sufficient to cause the injuries he sustained, or did she drop him on the floor accidentally, or intentionally.

And why, given the chance and time to think about it, did she not say the fall was a lie because she dropped him accidentally, as opposed to purposely?

JMO

Once the police told her they had cameras and knew what happened if Nicole started telling a story that was completely opposite of what happened, they would know she was making up a story. I guess there really was not any cameras or we would know, but she had to tell a story to somewhat match to the twins injuries, or they would immediately know she made it up out of distress or whatever. MOO. Katt

 

[AnyNameIWish]

I would like to add, as a second thought, surely she was upset during the police interview, but if she were that overtired, etc. why did they let her watch six week old twins?

I mean.. she was visiting a couple with 2 INFANTS not even 2 months old so what did she even think, they they could all go out to brunch? I think this otherwise intelligent pepperdine grad was unable to Read The Room.

As I understand, she "watched" baby L because baby A had the injury to his diaper area... do we have indication that she was ever left with the twins alone for an extended period (like a parents date night?) I don't think so?

 

[steeltowngirl]

As I understand, she "watched" baby L because baby A had the injury to his diaper area... do we have indication that she was ever left with the twins alone for an extended period (like a parents date night?) I don't think so?

I think you are right. There had been discussion in thread #1 about whether NV was to babysit the twins while the parents went out for an anniversary dinner. Maybe that was the original plan for the evening. Until the parents had to take the one twin to the hospital for the genital injury.

On the day before he died, Leon spent time with Virzi on an outing with his parents and twin brother, according to a police complaint.

At some point that day, police said, Virzi pointed out to Roberts and Katz that Ari had blood in his diaper and that his penis was red and swollen, the complaint said.

Virzi said Leon was left in her care sometime around 6:30 p.m. at Roberts and Katz's apartment while they brought Ari to the hospital.

Who is Nicole Virzi, PhD student accused of killing her friend's newborn son?

The 30-year-old was charged with homicide, aggravated assault and child endangerment in a case involving twin boys she was babysitting in Pittsburgh.

www.today.com

 

[Curious Me]

As I understand, she "watched" baby L because baby A had the injury to his diaper area... do we have indication that she was ever left with the twins alone for an extended period (like a parents date night?) I don't think so?

You're correct. No indication that NV was ever left watching both twins by herself. There was so much confusing, and I think bogus, reporting about their Anniversary and Father's Day that painted the story incorrectly. ​

At some point that day, police said, Virzi pointed out to Roberts and Katz that Ari had blood in his diaper and that his penis was red and swollen, the complaint said.......
Virzi said Leon was left in her care sometime around 6:30 p.m.

That's how I remember the unfolding of the info. They had all gone on an outing that day. I think, but I'm not sure, NV left for a short while after the outing, then returned to their apt. At some point then, NV changed AK diaper when both parents were in the apt. is what I understood. I think the twin's mother was resting, and the father was in another room. NV then pointed out the genital condition after changing AK diaper. At first it sounded like she was left babysitting both twins, but afaik, that was never the case. I don't know if we can find that particular news article. I'll try to find a timeline. All MOO.​

 

[Curious Me]

This may be the only place the timeline was confirmed. This video below shows the Probable Cause Affidavit which is more official information, but is still missing crucial details at that point. (MOO, it's like a "he said she said" timeline of initial events.) I took screen shots of the Probable Cause Affidavit that can be found in my Post 646 on Thread 1 from on 8/30/24, and you can see the Affidavit within the video.

This was from my own post and in my own words.

 

[TMich6811]

I think I’m maybe confused on the discussion. Why would she have had to be fully babysitting to cause the gential injury?

 

[Curious Me]

The discussion was back to going over the facts of what we know of the events leading up to the genital injuries, and trying to dispel any false reporting or assumptions. In the beginning of this case breaking, the news reports made it sound like she was left with both twins for a length of time, making it sound like the parents went off on a date. Not the case from all we can gather. It sounds like she wasn't left with AK, but only changed his diaper and both parents were in the apt. at the time. We don't really know if she had changed his diaper previously. I wonder if AK was screaming while she was changing the diaper, if that is when the genital injuries occurred, and with his parents in the apt. while this supposedly torture was happening.​

 

[TMich6811]

The discussion was back to going over the facts of what we know of the events leading up to the genital injuries, and trying to dispel any false reporting or assumptions. In the beginning of this case breaking, the news reports made it sound like she was left with both twins for a length of time, making it sound like the parents went off on a date. Not the case from all we can gather. It sounds like she wasn't left with AK, but only changed his diaper and both parents were in the apt. at the time. We don't really know if she had changed his diaper previously. I wonder if AK was screaming while she was changing the diaper, if that is when the genital injuries occurred, and with his parents in the apt. while this supposedly torture was happening.​

Thank you

 

[kathleen harless]

Thank you

DHTS {doctor heal thyself}

 

[Dreamcherry]

I wonder if AK was screaming while she was changing the diaper, if that is when the genital injuries occurred, and with his parents in the apt. while this supposedly torture was happening.

This is the part that stumps me. I can't imagine the poor little guy suffered through this silently? If the injuries pre-dated the fateful diaper change, then would he not have been crying throughout the day? If they happened during the diaper change, then surely he was howling in pain? Would that not make it obvious to the parents that it happened at the exact moment she was changing him? Make it make sense, because the logic isn't logic-ing for me here.

 

[Mauig’ma]

This is the part that stumps me. I can't imagine the poor little guy suffered through this silently? If the injuries pre-dated the fateful diaper change, then would he not have been crying throughout the day? If they happened during the diaper change, then surely he was howling in pain? Would that not make it obvious to the parents that it happened at the exact moment she was changing him? Make it make sense, because the logic isn't logic-ing for me here.

Babies cry a lot when they’re very young imo. A screaming baby screams because they’re either hungry or, soiled, tired or in pain. Moo I’m sure both parents were used to continually crying babies imo. Especially having two at the same age. Moo I don’t think it would be as obvious as one might think. Moo

 

[Dreamcherry]

Babies cry a lot when they’re very young imo. A screaming baby screams because they’re either hungry or, soiled, tired or in pain. Moo I’m sure both parents were used to continually crying babies imo. Especially having two at the same age. Moo I don’t think it would be as obvious as one might think. Moo

I didn't even think of that! Yes, you're right, it might not have sounded out of the ordinary.

 

[Curious Me]

ALL MOO, thoughts, and speculations only.
Trying to see it from other and various angles. Someplace in the dr.'s reports or the DA's charges, they called what was done to AK as abuse and "torture". I had babies (and raised children), they certainly didn't always cry, nor would I make light of any of their cries. Sure, babies cry sometimes, but usually parents can tell which type of cry it is, and surely a "torture cry" would be an extreme cry. A baby in pain sounds different than a hungry or soiled baby, if in pain that baby requires attention. The abuse was called torture. Even if it was normal type crying, a parent might wonder if their out-of-town childless friend was having problems changing the baby's diaper in another room.

JMO, the twins seemed very good natured, and had delightful smiles and expressions on their faces in the photos I've seen. Some babies are not fussy or criers. So, if there was torture going on during the diaper change, cries from AK should've alerted parents something was very wrong.

Okay, maybe not. Why? Perhaps there wasn't torture going on. Those genital injuries could be from something else. Maybe the both parents were totally exhausted, (the heck with sympathizing with NV's exhaustion to excuse her confession), parents of 6-wk. old twins getting less sleep, having taken their guest & twins out that day, those parents would be exhausted and maybe easily ignore some baby crying in another room. All we know is after NV pointed out AK's genital condition to the parents, they rushed AK to the ER. The parents will be able to describe what AK was like when they rushed him to the ER that night, leaving NV with LK. Note below, parents told LE there was no other incidences of emergency treatments ever before.​

......I took screen shots of the Probable Cause Affidavit that can be found in my Post 646 on Thread 1 from on 8/30/24, and you can see the Affidavit within the video... provided ... snipped ...

 

[steeltowngirl]

New entry on court docket - defense is consulting with a forensic psychiatrist.

Lou Martone | General and Forensic Psychiatrist – General and Forensic Psychiatrist in Fox Chapel

General and Forensic Psychiatrist in Fox Chapel

martonepsych.com

https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/Report/CpDocketSheet?docketNumber=CP-02-CR-0004996-2024&dnh=k7PeUMLBlCrMdPyyZdS%2F%2Fw%3D%3D

 

[Curious Me]

New entry on court docket - defense is consulting with a forensic psychiatrist.

Lou Martone | General and Forensic Psychiatrist – General and Forensic Psychiatrist in Fox Chapel

General and Forensic Psychiatrist in Fox Chapel

martonepsych.com

View attachment 631176

https://ujsportal.pacourts.us/Report/CpDocketSheet?docketNumber=CP-02-CR-0004996-2024&dnh=k7PeUMLBlCrMdPyyZdS%2F%2Fw%3D%3D

Thank You, @steeltowngirl. You've been keeping us updated, and I appreciate it.​