Prosecutors seeking death penalty in case against woman accused of killing baby in Shadyside

PITTSBURGH — Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against a woman who was charged in the killing of a 6-week-old baby.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Woman charged with killing baby in Shadyside, injuring his twin

Nicole Virzi, 29, of San Diego, Calif., was babysitting the infant in June when police were called to the 6000 block of Walnut Street for reports of a baby that had fallen from a bassinet.

The baby was taken to UPMC Children’s Hospital and died from a severe skull fracture and several brain bleeds. A doctor said the injuries were not natural or accidental.

Court documents show that a notice of intent to seek the death penalty was made by the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office on Thursday.

The District Attorney’s office provided four reasons for seeking the death penalty in their notice. Those reasons were:

1. The defendant committed the killing while in the perpetration of a felony.
2. The offense was committed by means of torture.
3. The defendant has a significant history of felony convictions involving the use or threat of violence to the person.
4. The victim was a child under 12 years of age.

Virzi is being held in the Allegheny County Jail.

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