NICU Nurse Who Broke Preemie Babies' Bones on Purpose License Suspended
Disclaimer: This article discusses child abuse and violence - it may be triggering to some readers.
Updated 5/20/25
The Virginia Board of Nursing has suspended the license of 26-year-old Erin Strotman, a nurse formerly employed at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Richmond. The decision, made on May 2, follows disturbing allegations that she mishandled and harmed fragile NICU infants, some born as early as 23 weeks gestation and weighing as little as 11 ounces.
According to a 16-page disciplinary order, the board detailed a series of injuries observed in infants under Strotman’s care between 2022 and 2024. These include:
- Fractures
- Bruising on the chest
- Fingerprint-shaped bruises
- Mishandling captured on video
For those familiar with NICU nursing, these are not just red flags—they’re alarm bells. The smallest preemies require the most delicate, precise care. The idea of harm coming at the hands of a nurse entrusted with their survival is devastating.
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The Board’s report cited that Strotman posed “a substantial danger to public health or safety”, leading to her immediate suspension. While criminal charges or additional legal action have yet to be publicly confirmed, Strotman has been formally charged with injuring nine NICU infants in her care.
This case is rattling the nursing community—especially NICU nurses who dedicate their lives to protecting the most vulnerable patients. It’s a sobering reminder that accountability and vigilance in patient care must remain uncompromising, particularly in units where micro-preemies and high-risk neonates fight for every breath.
We'll continue to follow this story as it develops.
Charges
Former NICU nurse Erin Strotman is currently facing 20 criminal charges. According to the most recent reporting, on May 7, 2025, a special grand jury returned eight additional charges against her-four counts of malicious wounding and four counts of class four felony child abuse and neglect. These new charges are in addition to the 12 criminal charges she was already facing, bringing the total to 20 charges.
Increase from original charges:
Initially, Strotman was charged with two felony counts related to the abuse of one baby in November 2024.
Over the following months, the number of charges increased as more alleged victims were identified and additional indictments were returned. By March 2025, she faced at least 12 charges.
The most recent eight charges (May 2025) increased her total from 12 to 20.
The Virginia Board of Nursing has suspended former NICU nurse Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman’s nursing license following an investigation into child abuse allegations.
Surveillance Footage Reveals Disturbing Acts
According to a 16-page order from the Virginia Board of Nursing, surveillance footage from November 10, 2024, captured Strotman applying excessive force to a preterm infant. Video allegedly shows her bending the baby’s legs forcefully toward his neck, applying pressure with her forearms and hands, and even falling while holding the baby. Other footage reveals her aggressively twisting the infant’s head and squeezing his torso, which caused a drop in the baby's vital signs.
As a result, the board cited her as “a substantial danger to public health or safety.”
Expansion of Criminal Charges
On February 10, 2025, a Henrico County grand jury returned six new felony indictments against Strotman — two counts of malicious wounding and four counts of child abuse. These new charges relate to injuries suffered by the original victim (referred to as Baby YH) and two additional premature infants. The offenses reportedly occurred on October 29, November 10, and November 13, 2024.
With the updated charges, Strotman is now accused of abusing three babies.
Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor stated that the charges reflect three distinct periods of criminal conduct. She confirmed that the original charges will be moved to circuit court. While prosecutors did not contest Strotman’s bond at her February hearing, Taylor indicated they may do so at her next court appearance, scheduled for March 20, 2025.
Additionally, Taylor revealed that incidents from 2023 — during which Strotman was linked to four babies who suffered unexplained fractures — are actively under review for potential further charges.
Arrest and Early Investigation Details
The case first surfaced on November 22, 2024, when a Henrico County Police detective responded to a report involving a 5-month-old infant in the NICU who suffered a fractured femur. Further imaging revealed a fractured tibia and multiple rib fractures, injuries determined to be consistent with "non-accidental trauma."
Following an internal hospital review and dozens of hours of NICU surveillance video, Strotman was arrested on January 3, 2025, charged with felony malicious wounding and serious child abuse.
Hospital Oversight Under Scrutiny
Despite being placed on paid administrative leave in 2023 when four infants suffered unexplained fractures, Strotman was allowed to return to NICU care in late 2024 — without enhanced monitoring. An internal investigation later revealed that no hospital staff reviewed footage of her care following her return.
A consulting pediatric orthopedist who assessed six of the injured infants warned that their fractures indicated abuse. However, hospital staff allegedly remained “in denial,” according to his testimony to investigators.
Moreover, Henrico Doctors’ Hospital delayed reporting the abuse suspicions to Child Protective Services (CPS) for 17 days, despite a Virginia law requiring suspected child abuse to be reported within 24 hours.
Bond Decision Sparks Debate
On February 12, 2025, Strotman was granted a $25,000 secured bond while awaiting trial. The secured nature of the bond means she or her representatives must post full collateral or cash to guarantee her appearance at future court proceedings.
The decision has sparked fierce debate in both legal and medical communities. Supporters argue it maintains the presumption of innocence, while critics voice concern over releasing someone accused of such serious offenses against vulnerable patients.
Racial Allegations Addressed
In early January 2025, public outrage grew when rumors circulated that Strotman had targeted infants based on race. On January 7, Henrico Police Chief Eric English publicly stated that preliminary investigations found no evidence of racial targeting.
Authorities urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation while the sensitive investigation remains ongoing.
While racial targeting was ruled out, the parents of victims reported that all affected infants were boys — a pattern noted but not officially confirmed as relevant to the abuse allegations.
The accused, 26-year-old Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman of Chesterfield County, has faced claims of targeting Black infants. However, Chief English emphasized that such claims are “not factual” based on the preliminary findings of the investigation conducted by Henrico Police.
The statement reads,
Authorities have urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information while the investigation remains ongoing.
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Enhanced Safety Measures at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital
In response to the growing scandal, Henrico Doctors’ Hospital has:
- Installed new surveillance and security systems.
- Introduced a "buddy" observer system for NICU healthcare providers.
- Reinforced staff training on recognizing and reporting child abuse.
The hospital and HCA Healthcare, its parent organization, have pledged full cooperation with the investigation while emphasizing support for patients and staff affected by the crisis.
Community Call to Action
Law enforcement urges anyone with information regarding the case to contact Henrico Police at police@henrico.gov or to submit anonymous tips via Crime Stoppers at (804) 780-1000 or P3tips.com.
Timeline of Key Events:
- Summer 2023: Four NICU babies suffer unexplained fractures.
- November/December 2024: Three additional infants experience injuries.
- November 22, 2024: Report of abuse at Henrico Doctors' Hospital leads to investigation.
- January 3, 2025: Erin Strotman arrested.
- February 10, 2025: Grand jury issues six new felony indictments.
- February 12, 2025: Strotman granted $25,000 secured bond.
- March 20, 2025: Scheduled next court date.
Nurse.org will continue to monitor developments in this case and provide updates as new information emerges
Nurse.org will continue to update this article as more details of the case emerge.
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