A former NICU nurse at Henrico Doctors' Hospital is facing serious charges after disturbing allegations of child abuse came to light. Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, 26, has been charged with malicious wounding and felony child abuse following incidents involving multiple premature infants under her care. The allegations indicate systemic issues within the NICU, raising concerns over patient safety and oversight.
The investigation began when three babies were found with "unexplained fractures" occurring within the NICU at the Richmond, Virginia hospital. These alarming discoveries happened late last year, following similar incidents involving four other infants during the summer of 2023. Henrico County Police responded rapidly, reviewing countless hours of video footage from the NICU to gather evidence and ascertain if other victims existed.
Strotman's arrest occurred after police identified her as the primary suspect linked to the injuries of at least seven babies, marking what is now viewed as both troubling and tragic. According to the hospital, the inquiry revealed three infants with significant injuries from November 2024, along with four others from earlier. Chief of Police Eric D. English expressed gratitude to the public, assuring them of the intensity of the investigation. "We appreciate the families' and public's patience as we work as thoroughly and expeditiously as possible to investigate every piece of evidence connected to these cases," he stated.
The Henrico Doctors' Hospital has taken significant measures since the allegations surfaced, including the complete shutdown of its NICU unit, to prioritize the safety of vulnerable patients. "We are both shocked and saddened by this development... We are grateful to those colleagues who have dedicated their professional lives to the care and safety of our patients," the hospital's spokesperson declared. They recognized the emotional burden this incident has placed on staff and families alike and have committed to improving safety protocols within the unit.
One of Strotman's alleged victims, Noah Hackey, now three years old, suffered from a broken tibia when he was just two weeks old. His father, Dominique Hackey, reported discovering his son’s injury and expressed his outrage over the hospital’s failure to prevent such abusive practices. “They failed strictly on multiple levels,” he lamented to local CBS affiliate WTVR. “They need to be held accountable because this shouldn’t have happened.”
The abuse’s psychological impact runs deep within the community, with parents of other affected infants vocally expressing their distress and disbelief. "It makes me sick, it truly makes me sick," Hackey shared, summarizing the collective sentiment of families impacted by Strotman’s alleged misconduct. Conversations among parents reveal the commonality of grief and disbelief surrounding their children's care. Hackey noted, upon learning there were multiple victims, his desire to raise public awareness about the issue. "Finding out there were seven total was gut-wrenching," he said. "I felt like I have to do something…before my son knew joy, he experienced pain. I wasn’t there to protect him."
Authorities have reopened investigations dating back to events from 2023 to establish any correlation to the present charges against Strotman. A spokesperson confirmed they are taking comprehensive steps to clarify the circumstances behind each baby’s injury and are prepared to pursue additional charges if warranted. "This is just one date of offense involving one child, but we will continue to work on building cases if there is evidence present," noted Shannon Taylor, the Henrico County Commonwealth's Attorney.
Strotman, who has been described as having joined the hospital’s nursing team after having received her license in 2019, is now being processed at the Henrico County Jail without bond, pending her next court appearance. Hospital management previously placed her on paid administrative leave when the suspicions first arose but indicated her return occurred shortly before her termination.
Among the preventative actions implemented by Henrico Doctors' Hospital, enhanced safety measures are now mandated. Live-streaming surveillance technology is being installed to allow parents to monitor the care of their infants, ensuring transparency and accountability. These adjustments aim to reinforce trust between families and healthcare providers, announcing the hospital's commitment to nurturing only the safest environment for its vulnerable patients.
Despite these proactive measures, the shadows of past failures loom large. The lack of immediate accountability when signs of abuse emerged raises significant ethical questions about operational governance at the hospital. Parents continue to question how such egregious actions went unnoticed and unaddressed until now.
Through this tumultuous period, Hanko's father continues to spotlight the hopes and challenges they face as they recover from this ordeal. “Noah is now walking—almost running,” Hackey shared proudly, yet he continues to battle with the emotional burden incurred during those early months. “Before my babies were able to feel any emotion they felt pain... and I can’t help but feel haunted by these memories.”
Strotman's next court date is set for March 24, where the community will await the development of justice for the most vulnerable among them. This case has sparked discussions around hospital protocols, staff vetting processes, and community safeguards to protect those who can’t protect themselves.