A PhD student accused of murdering her friends' baby and injuring its twin is the daughter of a top NYC cardiologist. Nicole Virzi, 29, was charged with the of six-and-a-half-week old Leon Katz and is believed to have abused Leon's twin, Ari. The PhD student had been babysitting for Ethan Katz and Savannah Roberts while the pair rushed to the hospital with Ari, leaving Leon in Nicole's care.
It has since been revealed Nicole is the daughter of Peter J Virzi, a top cardiologist affiliated with Mt. Sinai Doctors in Manhattan. The respected medical official is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
His daughter, a "trusted friend" of the babies' parents, is being held in prison without bail. A colleague and friend of Virzi said: "I have no words. I am absolutely shocked.
I had no idea." They claimed Virzi had "some interpersonal issues" and "was a little rigid" but did not know her to be violent. They added: "She was nice.
But very driven and motivated." The suspect's father did not reply to requests for comment from the . Virzi was charged with homicide, child endangerment, and aggravated assault but denies any wrongdoing.
Her attorney, David Shrager, says she is "devastated" by the incident and maintained Virzi's innocence. She plans to plead not guilty. He said: "She is obviously devastated.
She’s highly distraught and deeply sad. She said it was nothing intentional. We’re doing a deep investigation.
She has no criminal history. We will do our best to give .