A registered nurse has been arrested following a series of disturbing incidents involving unexplained injuries to newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Virginia, USA.
Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, 26, was taken into custody early Friday morning and charged with malicious wounding and child abuse causing serious injury. Her arrest comes as police continue to investigate a string of similar cases from 2023 and 2024.
Unexplained fractures and hospital shutdown
The investigation began after three newborns in the hospital’s NICU sustained “unexplainable fractures” in November and December 2024. A similar series of incidents involving four babies had been reported in the summer of 2023.
“In late November/December, we discovered that three babies in our Henrico Doctors’ Hospital NICU had unexplainable fractures, similar to an incident involving four babies in the summer of 2023,” the hospital said in a statement.
In response, the NICU was closed to new admissions on Christmas Eve. Hospital officials increased security, installed surveillance systems, and implemented new safety protocols, including requiring an observer to accompany any clinician entering a baby’s room.
“While fractures occasionally happen with pre-term babies since they lack full fetal bone development, we are actively working to determine how these fractures occurred,” the hospital said.
Parental outcry and emotional impact
Dominique Hackey, the father of one of the victims, expressed mixed emotions after learning of Strotman’s arrest. His son, one of a pair of twins, suffered a tibia fracture in September 2023, which was later confirmed to be caused by physical abuse.
“Finally we can get some answers as to who abused our son,” Hackey told Fox News Digital. “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.”
Hackey, whose wife is a former NICU nurse, reported the injury to social services. However, the case remained unresolved until Henrico police linked it to other similar incidents.
Investigation ongoing
Henrico County police have reopened previously closed cases and are reviewing hours of surveillance footage provided by the hospital.
“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,” said Henrico Police Chief Eric English. “I would also like to acknowledge the unwavering efforts of our detectives.”
Strotman, who resides in Midlothian, a Richmond suburb, is under scrutiny for additional cases. “All of the previously closed cases related to these incidents have been reopened,” police said in a statement.
Court records reveal that her prior legal history includes only minor traffic offences. She was arraigned Friday morning in Henrico Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
Hospital response
HCA Healthcare, which owns Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, expressed shock and sadness over the development.
“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,” the hospital said.
Public appeal for information
Police have encouraged anyone with information about the incidents to contact detectives via email at police@henrico.gov, visit P3tips.com, or call Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000.
Hope amid tragedy
Amidst the tragic revelations, Hackey’s son has made a full recovery. “He is a very adventurous little boy,” his father said.
This case has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting the importance of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable patients and the ongoing need for transparency and accountability in healthcare settings.
Source: Washington Post
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