A registered nurse in Virginia, Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, has been arrested in connection with a series of attacks on vulnerable newborns in a hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit. The incidents involved unexplainable fractures to the babies and prompted a multi-agency investigation. Strotman has been charged with malicious wounding and child abuse that caused serious injury. Concerned parents reported the injuries to Child Protective Services, leading to the discovery of multiple cases. The hospital where the attacks occurred closed the NICU to new patients and increased security measures following the incidents.
The father of one of the victims expressed sadness and regret upon learning of Strotman’s arrest, as additional details emerged about the extent of the abuse. The father revealed the confusion surrounding his son’s injury and the delay in identifying the perpetrator. Other families impacted by the attacks have also been notified as the investigation continues. Strotman is being looked at in connection with other similar cases between 2023 and 2024, including inactive cases that have been reopened. Due to health care privacy laws, authorities have not released many details about the ongoing investigation.
Following Strotman’s arrest, additional charges may be filed as detectives delve deeper into the incidents. The hospital where the attacks took place has implemented new safety measures, such as increased surveillance and requiring health care providers to be accompanied by another clinician while in a baby’s room. The hospital is working diligently to investigate the fractures that occurred and determine how they happened. Strotman, a resident of Midlothian near Richmond, had no prior criminal history apart from minor traffic offenses.
Despite the disturbing nature of the attacks, the victims have shown resilience and have since recovered from their injuries. The father of one of the victims described his son as an adventurous little boy who is doing well. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the case to come forward and assist with the investigation. The community has expressed shock and sadness over Strotman’s alleged involvement in the attacks, and efforts are being made to support the patients, families, and colleagues affected by the incidents. Strotman was scheduled for arraignment at the Henrico Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court.
