A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurse from Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, has been arrested after an investigation revealed she allegedly abused premature babies under her care. Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, 26, faces charges of malicious wounding and felony child abuse related to incidents in November 2023. The abuse, however, may not be limited to a single case, as the hospital reported that three babies suffered unexplained fractures during that month. Additionally, four other infants sustained similar injuries earlier in the summer of 2023.
Following the discovery of these injuries, Henrico County Police launched a detailed investigation, reviewing hours of surveillance footage from inside the NICU. Their efforts led to Strotman being identified as the suspect. Authorities are continuing to examine hundreds of hours of video footage in an attempt to uncover the full extent of the alleged abuse. The investigation is ongoing, and police are working to ensure that all victims receive justice.
The hospital has expressed shock and sadness over the events, emphasizing its commitment to the safety and care of its patients. In response to the investigation, the NICU has been temporarily shut down, and hospital officials have pledged to continue providing support to both the affected families and the staff members impacted by the case.
One of the babies allegedly harmed by Strotman was Noah Hackey, who suffered a broken tibia in the summer of 2023. Noah, born prematurely along with his twin Micah, was just two weeks old when his family noticed discoloration in his left leg. An X-ray revealed the fracture. Although Child Protective Services determined that an employee was responsible for the injury, they were unable to identify the individual at the time. The Hackey family was devastated to learn that their son was not the only victim.
Noah’s father, Dominique Hackey, expressed his frustration with the hospital’s handling of the situation. He criticized the institution for failing to prevent further harm after the initial suspicion of abuse, especially since they had already dismissed the nurse involved. Hackey emphasized the hospital’s responsibility to ensure the safety of all patients, particularly vulnerable premature infants, and called for accountability.
Strotman was arrested on Thursday evening and booked into Henrico County Jail, where she is being held without bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for March 24. The case has raised serious concerns about the safety protocols in place at neonatal care units and the need for rigorous oversight in such sensitive environments. Families entrust hospitals with the care of their most vulnerable loved ones, and incidents like these highlight the critical importance of maintaining the highest standards of care and accountability in healthcare settings.
