RN charged for intentionally breaking the bones of NICU infants over 2 years—and police say numbers could grow
Key Takeaways
Industry Buzz
“This nightmare thinly veiled as an RN [has been] accused of breaking the bones of newborns [in the NICU]. These are the most vulnerable of vulnerable, premature babies or babies that had a little bit of difficulty transitioning out of the womb into the world.” — Ruth Olumba, DO, MPH, FACOG @i.am.dr.ruthie
The most horrifying part of this is that NICU nurses typically have good continuity and are their patients' biggest advocates. I can't imagine betraying parents' trust like that... If she doesn't permanently lose her license for this, I will forever lose hope that nursing boards can hold their licensees accountable. Meanwhile, medical boards will censure physicians for far smaller things. — Pediatrician @swissdesigirl on Reddit
A former nurse, Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, has been charged with malicious wounding and felony child neglect related to injuries sustained by an infant under her care at Henrico Doctors' Hospital in Richmond, VA.[]
The charges stem from an alleged November 2024 incident in which an infant suffered “unexplained fractures,” per the Henrico Police Department.[] While initially confined to a single case, investigations have since expanded to include seven potential victims, with law enforcement suggesting that number may grow. The ongoing investigation spans cases from 2023 and 2024.
About the investigation
The investigation began after hospital staff reported broken bones among infants in the NICU, prompting an internal review and subsequent notification to law enforcement. Detectives are reviewing video footage from the NICU and collaborating with multiple agencies, including Henrico Child Protective Services, Virginia State Police, and the Office of the Attorney General, ABC News reports.[]
The case has drawn significant public attention, with the Henrico police department asking for others to step forward if they had a similar experience in the Henrico NICU and believe their child was a potential victim of Strotman, ABC reports. The hospital has suspended new NICU admissions indefinitely.
What docs are saying
Speculation about racial targeting has circulated on social media, with people saying that Strotman only targeted Black infants, but police have dismissed these claims as not factual. A father of one of Strotman’s victims, Dominique Hackey, confirmed this in an interview with CNN, saying that the victims were of different races.[]
Physician influencer, Ruth Olumba, DO, MPH, FACOG, shared a video on Instagram with a chilling update on the case: “Erin was suspected as a perpetrator and put on PAID admin leave [for] 1 year! When she came back to work, the injuries resumed!”
Strotman, who has not entered a plea, was denied bond and is prohibited from contacting minors.[] Her next court appearance is scheduled for March 2025.
This case underscores the critical role of vigilance in safeguarding vulnerable patient populations. It also highlights the importance of institutional accountability and robust reporting mechanisms in identifying and addressing potential malpractice.
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