The Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Virginia has become the epicenter of a high-profile police investigation, after the arrest of Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, a 26-year-old former NICU nurse,
According to PEOPLE, she intentionally broke the bones of some babies under her care.
She is currently charged with malicious wounding and felony child abuse.
Henrico police are currently working to uncover the troubling circumstances behind the unexplainable fractures that affected multiple babies under her care between 2023 and 2024.
Authorities are investigating negligence, safety issues, and possible malicious intent, drawing comparisons to the Lucy Letby case
The investigation began in late November 2024, when staff at the Henrico Doctors’ Hospital discovered fractures in three NICU babies.
These injuries echoed a similar pattern involving four infants in the summer of 2023, according to Global News.
By January 3, 2025, authorities named Erin Strotman as the suspect after analyzing forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and reports from concerned parents.
In a statement, Henrico Police Chief Eric D. English highlighted the extensive effort.
“Our detectives have combed through hundreds of hours of NICU footage and worked tirelessly with Child Protective Services, the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, and the Virginia Department of Health,” he said.
Among the victims is baby Noah Hackey, whose parents, Tori and Dominique, first noticed a fractured tibia in September 2023.
Initially dismissed as a possible birth-related injury, the case was reopened after similar patterns emerged in the hospital.
In a heartfelt plea, Dominique stated, “Noah didn’t have a bone disease. It wasn’t accidental. Somebody did this to our son, and we’re going to find out who.”
The Henrico Doctors’ Hospital has since taken drastic measures to rebuild trust and ensure the safety of its patients.
In a December 2024 release, the hospital announced the suspension of NICU admissions and unveiled new precautions, including:
- Enhanced safety training for staff
- Live-streamed security systems for parental monitoring
- Comprehensive physical assessments of all NICU patients
A spokesperson from the hospital expressed remorse, stating, “We are shocked and saddened. For over 30 years, our NICU has provided life-saving care. These events do not reflect our commitment to safety.”
Legal experts believe this case could serve as a critical turning point for healthcare accountability.
Shannon Taylor, Henrico County’s Commonwealth Attorney, emphasized the scale of the investigation.
“This spans offenses potentially committed over two years. We’re determined to uncover the truth,” she said.
Strotman, who remains in custody without bond, faces a court hearing in March 2025.
Public defender Scott Cardani, a top-rated lawyer in Virginia, has declined to comment on her plea or defense strategy.
The case is further complicated by speculation about race, as many victims are said to come from non-white families.
However, Henrico Police have strongly refuted such claims, labeling them as unfounded.
As the criminal investigation unfolds, the families of the victims, along with the public, await justice for these innocent lives.
Stay tuned to our blog or subscribe to our free email newsletter for more true crime stories for updates and other true crime stories.
Got a tip about a crime? Please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS immediately.
You can also see how to report a crime anonymously online if you wish to remain anonymous.
Comments
Post a Comment