A Virginia nurse faces serious charges after newborns in her care suffered unexplained fractures, shocking parents and hospital staff alike.
At a Glance
- Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, 26, charged with malicious wounding and felony child abuse
- Incidents occurred in late 2023 and late 2024 at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital NICU
- Hospital halted new NICU admissions and implemented enhanced security measures
- Strotman faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted
- Police are investigating multiple cases and reviewing past incidents
Nurse Arrested in Connection with NICU Injuries
Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, a 26-year-old former nurse from Chesterfield County, Virginia, has been arrested in connection with a disturbing series of incidents involving premature babies suffering “unexplainable fractures” at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The arrest comes after a lengthy investigation into similar cases reported in both late 2023 and late 2024.
Strotman now faces charges of malicious wounding and felony child abuse, with potential consequences that could dramatically alter her life. If convicted, she could face up to 10 years for felony child neglect and an additional 20 years for malicious wounding, totaling a maximum sentence of 30 years behind bars.
Virginia police have arrested a registered nurse in connection with a twisted attack that left a vulnerable newborn in a hospital's neonatal intensive care unit with an "unexplainable fracture" in November. https://t.co/bVk9y2M4a3
— FOX 5 DC (@fox5dc) January 4, 2025
Hospital Takes Swift Action
In response to these alarming incidents, Henrico Doctors’ Hospital has taken immediate action to ensure the safety of its most vulnerable patients. The hospital has temporarily halted new admissions to their NICU and implemented enhanced security measures, including live-streaming technology and additional safety training for caregivers.
The hospital administration expressed their shock and sadness over the incidents, stating their full cooperation with law enforcement during the ongoing investigation. These measures underscore the gravity of the situation and the hospital’s commitment to preventing any further harm to newborns under their care.
Henrico Police are conducting a thorough investigation, re-examining both the 2023 and 2024 cases as part of a broader inquiry. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and have reopened previously closed cases in an effort to identify any recurring patterns or additional victims.
Strotman, whose nursing license was issued in 2019 and remains valid until 2026, is currently held without bond at Henrico County Regional Jail West. She was scheduled for arraignment, though details of the proceedings are limited due to health care privacy laws. The charges against Strotman are currently linked to injuries sustained by a single victim, despite the investigation encompassing multiple cases.
The incidents have left families and the community reeling. Parents of affected infants reported the injuries to Child Protective Services, which prompted the initial investigation. While the full extent of the injuries remains unclear, there is some positive news. The Hackey family, whose son was one of the victims, reported that their child has since recovered from his injury.
Well thank goodness for at least some good news.
