GLAM PHD STUDENT 29, “TORTURES” FRIEND’S TWIN BABY DEAD, SHOCKED SHE MAY BE PUNISHED
2Digest
This podcast delves into the tragic case of Nicole Verzi, a PhD student accused of killing one twin and injuring the other while babysitting. The episode begins by outlining the case, detailing the death of Leon, one of the twin babies, from a severe skull fracture, and the injuries sustained by his brother, Ari. The podcast then explores the conflicting stories surrounding the incident, focusing on Nicole Verzi's account and the medical evidence. The podcast examines the timeline of events, highlighting inconsistencies in Verzi's story and exploring the possibility of factitious disorder by proxy, a mental health condition where a caregiver fabricates or exaggerates a child's illness or injury for attention or sympathy. The episode also investigates Verzi's background, including her PhD research and her video presentation on depression and heart events, exploring potential connections between her personal life and the alleged abuse of the babies. The podcast discusses the investigation into the incident, including the police's decision to charge Nicole Verzi with homicide, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of children. The episode also explores the possibility of the death penalty being sought against Verzi. The podcast emphasizes the importance of focusing on the facts of the case, regardless of the defendant's background or education. It highlights the crucial role of expert witnesses in providing evidence and testimony to support the prosecution's case. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to stay informed about breaking crime news and to be aware of the signs of child abuse. The podcast also expresses sympathy for the parents of the twin boys and for baby Ari, who will grow up knowing that he once had a twin brother.
Outlines
The Case of Nicole Verzi: A Tragic Tale of Twins
This episode introduces the case of Nicole Verzi, a PhD student accused of killing one twin and injuring the other while babysitting. The podcast outlines the timeline of events, the conflicting stories surrounding the incident, and the medical evidence.
The Babysitter's Story and Medical Evidence
The podcast delves into the details of Nicole Verzi's account of the incident, including her initial 911 call and subsequent statements to police. Medical experts discuss the severity of Leon's injuries and the improbability of them resulting from a fall from an 18-inch bouncy seat.
Suspicious Circumstances and Factitious Disorder by Proxy
The podcast examines the timeline of events leading up to the incident, including Nicole Verzi's arrival at the family's home and her interactions with the parents. The podcast highlights inconsistencies in Verzi's story and explores the possibility of factitious disorder by proxy.
Nicole Verzi's Background and Potential Motives
The podcast investigates Nicole Verzi's background, including her PhD research and her video presentation on depression and heart events. The podcast explores the possibility of a connection between Verzi's personal life and the alleged abuse of the babies.
The Investigation and Charges Against Nicole Verzi
The podcast discusses the investigation into the incident, including the police's decision to charge Nicole Verzi with homicide, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of children. The podcast also explores the possibility of the death penalty being sought against Verzi.
The Importance of Facts and Expert Testimony
The podcast emphasizes the importance of focusing on the facts of the case, regardless of the defendant's background or education. The podcast highlights the crucial role of expert witnesses in providing evidence and testimony to support the prosecution's case.
Conclusion and Call to Action
The podcast concludes with a call to action for listeners to stay informed about breaking crime news and to be aware of the signs of child abuse. The podcast also expresses sympathy for the parents of the twin boys and for baby Ari, who will grow up knowing that he once had a twin brother.
Keywords
Factitious Disorder by Proxy
A mental health condition where a caregiver fabricates or exaggerates a child's illness or injury for attention or sympathy.
Closed Head Homicidal Injuries
Injuries to the head that result in death and are often associated with child abuse.
Shaken Baby Syndrome
A serious brain injury caused by forcefully shaking an infant, which can lead to permanent damage or death.
Fontanels
Soft spots on a baby's skull that allow for brain growth and development.
Moses Basket
A type of bassinet that is elevated and solid all the way around, resembling the basket that Moses was placed in.
Comorbidity
The presence of two or more diseases or conditions in the same person at the same time.
Myocardial Infarction
A heart attack, caused by a blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle.
Aggravated Assault
An assault that involves the use of a weapon or that results in serious bodily injury.
Endangering the Welfare of Children
A crime that involves putting a child at risk of harm or neglect.
Q&A
What are the key inconsistencies in Nicole Verzi's story?
Verzi initially told police that Leon fell from a bassinet, but later changed her story to say that he fell from a bouncy seat. The height of the fall and the severity of Leon's injuries make it unlikely that he could have sustained such injuries from a fall of that height.
What is factitious disorder by proxy and how does it relate to this case?
Factitious disorder by proxy is a mental health condition where a caregiver fabricates or exaggerates a child's illness or injury for attention or sympathy. The podcast explores the possibility that Verzi may have inflicted injuries on Ari to gain attention and sympathy.
What are the potential motives for Nicole Verzi's alleged actions?
The podcast explores several potential motives, including Verzi's desire for attention, her possible mental health issues, and her possible resentment towards the parents for their success and happiness.
What is the significance of the fact that Nicole Verzi is a PhD student?
The podcast highlights the contrast between Verzi's seemingly intelligent and accomplished background and the alleged abuse of the babies. The podcast also explores the possibility that Verzi's education may have played a role in her actions, perhaps as a way to manipulate or control others.
What is the role of expert witnesses in this case?
Expert witnesses, such as medical examiners and psychologists, will play a crucial role in providing evidence and testimony to support the prosecution's case. Their expertise will be essential in explaining the severity of the babies' injuries and in determining whether the injuries were accidental or inflicted.
Show Notes
Ethan Katz and Savannah Roberts have much to celebrate. It’s not only Father’s Day weekend and Ethan’s birthday weekend, but also the couple’s anniversary.
Savannah recently gave birth to their twin sons, now 6 weeks old. Family friend Nicole Virzi traveled from San Diego to Pittsburgh to visit and lend a helping hand. While caring for the twin boys, Ari and Leon, Nicole Virzi tells the parents she noticed unusual injuries on Ari’s genitals.
Around 6:30 p.m., the new parents take Ari to the hospital, leaving their other son, Leon Katz, in Virzi’s care. Just after 11 p.m., Ethan Katz and Savannah Roberts receive a call from Nicole Virzi, informing them that while she was in the kitchen preparing a bottle for Leon, the baby fell from his bouncer seat and hit his head.
Nicole Virzi tells the 911 dispatcher that Leon fell from a bassinet, hit his head, and is becoming unresponsive. When the police arrive, Virzi tells them she fell asleep with the baby in his bouncer seat. When she wakes up, she goes to the kitchen to prepare a bottle. While she is out of the room, she hears Leon screaming and finds him on the floor with a bump on his head. She tells the police he fell out of his bouncer seat.
Rushed to the hospital, doctors discover Leon Katz has a severe skull fracture on the left side of his head and multiple brain bleeds. The injuries suffered by the 6-week-old baby prove fatal, and he is pronounced dead the next morning at Children’s Hospital.
Police say Virzi has no “plausible explanation” for the severity of Leon’s injuries. Upon examining the bouncer seat, detectives report that it is about 18 inches from the highest point of the seat to the floor.
Doctors inform investigators about the injuries sustained by Leon’s twin brother, Ari. He has small scratches on both sides of his face, two bruises below his belly button, and swelling, bruising, redness, and scratches on his genitals. The doctor who examined the injuries to both boys states they are consistent with child abuse, noting that these injuries were inflicted and not accidental. All of Leon’s injuries are described as “acute."
Joining Nancy Grace today:
- Kelly Hyman – Trial & Civil Attorney (Miami, FL); TV Legal Analyst; Author: “Build Back Better;” X: @kellyhyman1, TikTok: @kelly.hyman, Instagram: @Kelly_Hyman1
- Dr. John Delatorre – Licensed Psychologist and Mediator (specializing in forensic psychology); Psychological Consultant to Project Absentis: a nonprofit organization that searches for missing persons; Twitter, IG, and TikTok – @drjohndelatorre
- Dr. Melissa Merrick - President & CEO of Prevent Child Abuse America, www.preventchildabuse.org and www.healthyfamiliesamerica.org' Facebook & YouTube: Prevent Child Abuse, X & IG: @PCAAMERICA
- Dr. Kendall Crowns – Chief Medical Examiner Tarrant County (Ft Worth) and Lecturer: University of Texas Austin and Texas Christian University Medical School
- Gabriella DeLuca - TV News Reporter, WPXI in Pittsburgh, PA; X: @GabriellaDeLuca, IG: WPXIgabrielladeluca
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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