A Virginia nurse has been accused of committing shocking attacks on newborns in a NICU, causing the local community to rally for justice and safety reforms.
At a Glance
- Virginia nurse Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman was arrested for attacks on newborns in NICU.
- Charges include malicious wounding and felony child abuse from 2023-2024 incidents.
- Henrico Doctors’ Hospital temporarily closed NICU for new admissions, enhancing security.
- Ongoing investigation delves into hospital records and video footage.
Arrest Shocks Virginia Hospital and Community
Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, a registered nurse at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Virginia, has been arrested following multiple incidents of “unexplainable fractures” in newborns between 2023 and 2024. The investigation revealed a disturbing series of injuries within the hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), leading to charges of malicious wounding and felony child abuse against Strotman. Following her arrest, the hospital closed its NICU to new patients on Christmas Eve 2024.
Authorities moved swiftly to contain the situation, placing significant focus on enhancing security and safety measures in the hospital. This includes implementing safety training, additional examinations of hospital procedures, installing advanced security systems, and utilizing live-streaming technology for increased oversight. The investigation, spearheaded by local law enforcement, is currently examining past case patterns from as early as 2023 to identify any missed links.
Hospital’s Efforts in Wake of Tragedy
The management at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital has been proactive in addressing the crisis.
“We are both shocked and saddened by this development in the investigation and are focused on continuing to care for our patients and providing support to our colleagues who have been deeply and personally impacted by this investigation,” stated HCA Virginia officials. An internal review and collaborative engagement with law enforcement agencies were promptly initiated.
This incident has not gone unnoticed by the affected families. Parents of one of the injured infants in 2023, Noah Hackey, who suffered a tibia fracture, expressed mixed emotions following Strotman’s arrest.
“Finally we can get some answers as to who abused our son. I wish I could say it was a happy moment learning of her arrest, however, learning the details involving the other babies, the only feeling I have is sadness and regret,” said Noah’s father, Dominique Hackey.
A Virginia hospital stopped admitting babies to its NICU after several babies were found to have unexplained fractures.https://t.co/oD6rzhvnXA
— 8 News Now (@8NewsNow) December 26, 2024
Legal Proceedings and Investigation Continues
Henrico Chief of Police, Eric D. English, assured the public of the comprehensive nature 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 in connection to these cases,” English stated, emphasizing relentless efforts from detectives to review videos and assess prior cases.
Strotman’s case is set to continue in court as authorities re-evaluate closed cases and follow stringent legal inquiries. The hospital, emphasizing its long history of providing critical care, remains committed to reinforcing patient confidence and ensuring that no such incident recurs. With ongoing collaboration between law enforcement and medical institutions, the priority is unequivocally on child safety and justice for the affected families.
