In the summer of 2023, a Virginia hospital noticed unusual injuries affecting newborns. Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, located in Henrico County, reported that, about a month ago, three infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) sustained “inexplicable fractures.”
Alarmed by these injuries, the hospital took swift action. Last week, Henrico Doctors’ Hospital announced it would suspend NICU admissions until the cause of the fractures could be determined.
Following the investigation, Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, a 26-year-old registered nurse, was arrested. She faces serious charges of malicious wounding and felony child abuse. This arrest is linked to an incident in November 2023, according to Henrico County Police.
Hospital Reopens Investigations and Reviews Surveillance Footage
On Friday, Henrico County Police revealed details about the arrest and investigation. Police confirmed that they are revisiting all cases of mysteriously injured infants at the hospital from both 2023 and 2024. Authorities are focusing on uncovering the cause behind injuries to at least seven infants.
To support this investigation, officers are reviewing hundreds of hours of surveillance footage from the hospital. This footage may help determine exactly how these injuries occurred and whether any foul play was involved.
“We are committed to protecting our residents, particularly our youngest and most vulnerable,” the Henrico County Police stated in a release. The investigation aims to ensure the safety of infants who were under hospital care at the time of the incidents.
Enhanced Security and Hospital Response
Before the arrest, hospital leadership intensified security protocols to safeguard the infants. The increased measures were part of a broader effort to uncover what was happening in the NICU. The hospital worked to maintain safety and ensure that no further incidents occurred.
“Between late November and December, we identified that three infants in our NICU had sustained inexplicable fractures,” said the hospital. These injuries were strikingly similar to an earlier incident in summer 2023 that involved four infants.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Concern
As investigations continue, Henrico Doctors’ Hospital is cooperating fully with authorities. The police department and hospital staff are working together to ensure that any wrongdoing is uncovered.
In addition to reviewing surveillance footage, investigators are conducting interviews with hospital personnel and examining other evidence related to the cases. The community remains deeply concerned about the safety of infants in medical care.
Next Steps in the Investigation
While the investigation is still ongoing, authorities have assured the public that they will take all necessary steps to ensure justice is served. The focus remains on protecting vulnerable infants and bringing accountability to those responsible for any harm.
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