Virginia nurse arrested after hospital closes NICU due to mystery attacks on newborns
Share and Follow

Virginia police have arrested a registered nurse in connection with a twisted attack that left a vulnerable newborn in a hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit with an “unexplainable fracture” in November – and additional charges could come as detectives continue to probe a half dozen similar incidents.

The 26-year-old suspect, Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, was booked into the Henrico County Jail on charges of malicious wounding and child abuse that caused serious injury around 1:15 a.m. Friday.

A perplexing string of injuries to babies in the NICU at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Richmond in November and December prompted officials to launch an internal investigation and close the unit to new patients on Christmas Eve.

They also turned over hours of surveillance video to police, who were still going through footage after arresting Strotman in connection with an incident that happened on Nov. 10. 

“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,” Henrico Chief of Police Eric English said in a statement. “I would also like to acknowledge the unwavering efforts of our detectives who continue to comb through hundreds of hours of footage and extend my sincere gratitude to Henrico’s Child Protective Services (Department of Social Services), the Henrico County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Health, and the Office of the Attorney General for their assistance in this matter.”

Charges have not been filed in Hackey’s case, but police said they are actively collecting evidence in all of the remaining incidents.

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.

— Dominique Hackey, victim’s father

Strotman is a resident of Midlothian, a suburb of Richmond, and authorities are looking at her in connection with a number of similar cases between 2023 and 2024, Henrico police said Friday – including inactive cases.

“All of the previously closed cases related to these incidents have been reopened,” police said in a statement. “All of the families involved in this current broader investigation have been notified.”

Due to health care privacy laws, authorities said they could not release many additional details.

A Google Maps image shows the hospital's ambulance bay.

A Google Maps image shows the hospital’s ambulance bay. Authorities have increased safety measures as police say a registered nurse is responsible for at least one attack on a newborn in the neonatal intensive care unit. (Google Maps)

“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,” HCA Healthcare, which owns the hospital, said in a statement. 

With additional charges possible, police are asking anyone with information to contact detectives at police@henrico.gov, visit P3tips.com or call Crime Stoppers at 804-780-1000.

Court records show Strotman’s prior run-ins with the law involved only minor traffic offenses.

She was scheduled for arraignment Friday morning at the Henrico Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.

As for the Hackey family, their son has since recovered from his fracture and is doing well.

“He is a very adventurous little boy,” his father said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Louisville UPS plane crash caught on CCTV footage

CCTV Captures Dramatic UPS Plane Crash in Louisville

Fresh perspectives on the UPS wide-body cargo plane crash in Kentucky have…
Duval County Schools' HQ heads to Prominence Parkway after 4-3 vote

Duval County Schools Relocates Headquarters to Prominence Parkway Following Narrow 4-3 Board Decision

The Duval County Public Schools board has decided to part ways with…
Mike Sullivan hints Rangers power-play changes could be coming

Mike Sullivan Teases Potential Shake-Up for Rangers Power Play Strategy

The Rangers’ struggles to find the back of the net, particularly on…
Who went home on 'Dancing with the Stars'? Another surprise elimination on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night

Shocking ‘Dancing with the Stars’ Exit: Who Was Sent Home on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night?

In Los Angeles, “Dancing with the Stars” dedicated a special evening to…
Astonishing moment Miss Universe winner storms out of event

Unbelievable Drama: Miss Universe Winner Makes Shocking Exit from Glamorous Event

In a powerful display of solidarity, the reigning Miss Universe made headlines…
Bryan Kohberger fights $27K restitution for victims’ families while taking money behind bars

Bryan Kohberger Contests $27K Restitution for Victims’ Families Amid Inmate Earnings

Later today, Bryan Kohberger’s legal team will present their case to an…
Hunter survives nearly 3 weeks stranded in California wilderness after truck gets stuck

Miraculous Survival: How a Hunter Defied the Odds for 3 Weeks in California’s Wilderness

An experienced hunter, who was lost in the California wilderness for 20…
Prince Harry denies claims he is trying to upstage William

Prince Harry Refutes Allegations of Attempting to Overshadow Prince William

Prince Harry has refuted claims that he intentionally attempted to upstage Prince…