A NICU Nurse Accused Of Child Abuse
Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, a 26-year-old registered nurse, has become a central figure in a deeply unsettling case of alleged child abuse in Henrico Doctors’ Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Virginia. Until recently, she was entrusted with the care of some of the hospital’s most vulnerable patients—premature and critically ill newborns. Strotman’s arrest on charges of malicious wounding and felony child abuse has sent shockwaves through the community, particularly among the families who had once considered her a compassionate and dedicated caregiver.
Friends And Families Left In Disbelief
Colleagues and families have described Strotman in conflicting terms, adding complexity to her profile. Many parents of NICU babies recalled her as attentive and kind, with some even referring to her as their favorite nurse. Photos and text messages shared by families revealed how trusted she was during what were often the most harrowing days of their lives. These sentiments of trust and appreciation have now turned into disbelief and betrayal as allegations of abuse have surfaced, suggesting a starkly different narrative.
The Investigation In The Hospital
The investigation into the mysterious injuries of newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital represents a disturbing yet crucial effort to uncover the truth behind a series of unexplainable fractures. It began in the summer of 2023, when hospital staff noticed unusual injuries among several babies in their care. Despite initial inquiries, the cause of these injuries remained unresolved, leaving families devastated and the hospital’s leadership under scrutiny. The situation escalated dramatically in late 2024, leading to the arrest of a nurse, Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, and a comprehensive reexamination of the cases.
How Common Are Neonatal Fractures?
Neonatal fractures, though uncommon, can occur under specific circumstances, particularly in preterm or medically fragile infants. Henrico Doctors’ Hospital initially dismissed such fractures, forcing hospitals like it to navigate the challenging balance between acknowledging these rare but explainable injuries and identifying potential abuse or mishandling. Understanding how and why neonatal fractures occur provides context for why the hospital may have initially attributed these injuries to non-malicious causes, though this practice is now under scrutiny.
The Hospital Likely Delayed Their Own Cases
The hospital’s decision to write off early cases without a deeper investigation likely contributed to the delay in uncovering the alleged abuse. Such occurrences emphasize the need for robust protocols to identify red flags, even when injuries could have plausible medical explanations. Routine reviews, second opinions, and interdisciplinary oversight are critical safeguards to ensure injuries are thoroughly evaluated for consistency with standard care practices.
In hindsight, the frequency and nature of these injuries should have prompted heightened scrutiny. The case at Henrico highlights the importance of maintaining vigilance, particularly in units like the NICU, where patients are not only vulnerable but also unable to communicate signs of harm.
Henrico Police Received Reports Of Injured Babies
Henrico County Police launched an extensive investigation after receiving reports of multiple injured babies over a span of two years. Surveillance footage became a cornerstone of their inquiry, with officers reviewing hundreds of hours of video to identify patterns and uncover potential evidence. In addition to video analysis, police interviewed hospital staff and families, piecing together timelines and details of each case. They also reopened investigations that had previously been closed due to a lack of conclusive evidence, reflecting their commitment to ensuring justice for the vulnerable newborns affected.
The Hospital Implements Security Measures
The hospital, meanwhile, implemented several immediate measures to address the alarming situation. These included halting NICU admissions, enhancing security protocols, and introducing measures such as live-streaming technology to allow parents to monitor their babies at all times. The hospital also conducted head-to-toe examinations of NICU patients and mandated additional training for healthcare providers on identifying and reporting abuse or neglect.
A Family In The Middle Of It All
The Hackley family played a pivotal role in initiating a series of events that exposed the alleged abuse in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital. In 2023, the Hackley family’s journey began when their twin boys, born prematurely at 28 weeks, entered the NICU. Although one of the twins, Noah, seemed to be recovering well, their relief turned to devastation in September 2023 when they discovered he had suffered a fractured leg. The injury’s cause was unclear, leaving the Hackley’s confused and alarmed.
The Mother Reported The Incident
The turning point came when the mother, a former NICU nurse, reported the incident to Child Protective Services (CPS). This action sparked an investigation that would continue intermittently for over a year. The hospital initially suggested that an overly rough injection might have caused the fracture; however, they closed the case after a few weeks without identifying any wrongdoing. Similarly, Henrico police launched their own investigation but ended it in early 2024, citing insufficient evidence to identify a suspect, even though they suspected abuse.
CPS Identified There Were More Injured Babies
In March 2024, CPS informed the Hackley’s that Noah was one of four babies injured in the NICU during the summer of 2023 and that criminal abuse was suspected. This revelation strengthened their resolve to seek justice. When Dominique Hackley later learned of three additional injured babies in late 2024, he became a vocal advocate, determined to prevent further harm. His efforts to share his family’s story shed light on the scale of the issue and galvanized other families to come forward.
The Arrest Of Erin Strotman
The arrest of Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, a registered nurse at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, marked a critical turning point in an investigation into unexplained injuries sustained by newborns in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
On January 4, 2025, authorities arrested and charged Erin Strotman with malicious wounding and felony child abuse, following a year-long investigation into mysterious fractures affecting at least seven premature infants under her care. Initially dismissed as isolated incidents, these fractures eventually revealed a troubling and consistent pattern.
Video Footage Linked Her To The Crime
Strotman’s arrest came after police reviewed hundreds of hours of surveillance footage provided by the hospital. The footage, along with other evidence, linked Strotman to a specific incident on November 10, 2024. Authorities reopened previously closed cases from 2023 and 2024 to determine whether the nurse was connected to additional injuries. Strotman, a resident of Midlothian, Virginia, had held a nursing license since 2019 with no prior record of professional misconduct.
The Hackey Family Has Closure
The families of the injured infants, including Dominique Hackey, whose son suffered a fractured leg in 2023, expressed mixed emotions following the arrest. While some felt relieved that a suspect had been identified, others were anguished by the knowledge of the extent of harm inflicted under Strotman’s care. Hackey, whose advocacy brought renewed attention to the case, described feelings of regret for not speaking out sooner.
Her First Court Appearance
Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, the former NICU nurse at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital charged with malicious wounding and felony child abuse, made her first court appearance on January 3, 2025. This arraignment marked the formal beginning of legal proceedings against her following allegations of abuse connected to “unexplainable fractures” suffered by newborns in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. Strotman appeared via video from Henrico County Jail, where she is being held without bond.
She Was Unaware Of Her Termination
During the hearing, it was confirmed that Strotman had been employed as a nurse at the hospital until at least Thanksgiving week in 2024. However, she stated that she was unaware of her termination when the hospital ceased NICU admissions in late December following the discovery of three cases of unexplained fractures. These incidents were notably similar to four cases reported in 2023. The two charges against Strotman stem from an injury sustained by an infant on November 10, 2024, though the investigation spans at least seven cases involving similar injuries.
The Penalties She Faces For The Charges
Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor detailed the penalties Strotman could face, including a maximum of 10 years for felony child neglect and up to 20 years for felony malicious wounding.
Additionally, the court barred Strotman from any contact with children under the age of 18 as the investigation continues. Taylor emphasized that this is an ongoing inquiry involving multiple agencies, including Child Protective Services, Virginia State Police, and the Office of the Attorney General, with the potential for additional charges depending on the findings.
Her Next Court Appointment Is Schedule
Strotman’s next court appearance is scheduled for March 24, 2025. As legal proceedings progress, the case continues to spotlight the critical need for accountability and safeguards in medical settings designed to protect society’s most vulnerable patients.
Need Help? Call Us Now!
Do not forget that when you or anyone you know is facing a criminal charge, you have us, the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, by your side to help you build the best defense case for you. We will work and be in your best interest for you and we will obtain the best possible outcome that can benefit you.
Our team is here to explain your trial, guiding you through the criminal justice process with clarity and support every step of the way. If you’re navigating the complexities of criminal charges and the court system seems daunting, reach out.
Therefore, do not hesitate to call us if you find yourself or someone you know that is facing criminal charges unsure about the court system. We will work with you to give you the best type of defense that can help you solve your case. It is vital to have someone explain the result of the charge to you and guide you in the best possible way.
Here at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, our professional and knowledgeable criminal law attorneys build a defense case that suits your needs, aiming for the best possible outcome to benefit you.
At the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, we offer a free consultation at your convenience. You can schedule your appointment via Zoom, Google Meet, email, or in person. We provide comprehensive advice and information to help you achieve the best possible result in your case.
Call us now at (281) 810-9760.
Other Related Articles
How Can Health Issues Lead to Custody Modification?
Choosing the Best Custody Arrangement for Your Baby
Can a Shift Worker Have a Good Visitation Arrangement?
Do Night Nurses Have a High Divorce Rate?
From Care to Courtroom: The Unraveling Case of Lucy Letby
FAQs about Neonatal Fractures and the Henrico NICU
Neonatal fractures are bone fractures that occur in newborns, often due to underdeveloped bones, medical interventions, or rare conditions like osteopenia of prematurity. Preterm infants are especially vulnerable because their bones are fragile and less mineralized than those of full-term babies.
Neonatal fractures are bone fractures that occur in newborns, often due to underdeveloped bones, medical interventions, or rare conditions like osteopenia of prematurity. Preterm infants are especially vulnerable because their bones are fragile and less mineralized than those of full-term babies.
Neonatal fractures are relatively rare in NICUs. While some injuries can occur due to medical procedures or the fragility of preterm infants, their occurrence should prompt thorough evaluations to rule out negligence or abuse.
The initial injuries were written off because neonatal fractures can sometimes result from routine medical procedures, such as injections or resuscitation, especially in preterm infants. However, the repeated pattern of injuries should have raised immediate concerns.
Hospitals implement safeguards such as careful monitoring, surveillance systems, peer reviews of care, and detailed reporting protocols to prevent injuries. In NICUs, policies like caregiver pairing and head-to-toe examinations aim to ensure patient safety.
