9 NICU Families Settle With HCA Over Unit Where Nurse Broke Preemies’ Bones on Purpose
Disclaimer: This article discusses child abuse and violence - it may be triggering to some readers.
Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, a former NICU nurse at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, has had her nursing license suspended and is facing 20 criminal charges related to the alleged abuse of vulnerable infants in her care for allegedly breaking premature babies’ bones on purpose. The Virginia Board of Nursing called her a “substantial danger to public health or safety,” following disturbing video evidence and internal reports detailing horrific abuse of premature infants.
In a significant development, HCA Health Services of Virginia, which owns Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, has reached settlement agreements with nine families, encompassing injuries to ten infants. Among these cases, two infants were twins—who tragically passed away. Not all settlements are directly tied to Strotman’s alleged actions, but the injuries occurred in the hospital's NICU during the timeframe under investigation.
Surveillance Footage and Injuries
According to a 16-page disciplinary order, Strotman was captured on NICU surveillance video aggressively handling infants as small as 11 ounces. One clip shows her bending a baby’s legs forcefully toward his neck, falling while holding him, and applying significant pressure to the infant’s torso. Other footage allegedly shows her twisting an infant's head and putting pressure on their torso. These actions reportedly led to drops in vital signs and extensive injuries such as fractures and rib damage. Other injuries reported 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.
As a result, the board cited her as “a substantial danger to public health or safety.”
Charges and Legal Progress
Strotman was arrested on January 3, 2025, and initially faced two charges. As additional victims were identified, the charges increased—culminating in 20 felony counts by May 2025, including malicious wounding and felony child abuse. Many of the injured babies were part of the criminal case, though not all injuries have been officially connected to her.
Henrico County Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor stated that the timeline of charges reflects three distinct periods of criminal behavior, spanning from 2023 to late 2024.
Hospital Oversight and Settlements
The hospital is under intense scrutiny for its delayed response. Despite red flags in 2023, including fractures in four NICU babies, Strotman was allowed to return to direct infant care without enhanced supervision. It wasn’t until a November 2024 incident—when a five-month-old baby suffered multiple unexplained fractures—that a thorough review was conducted, eventually leading to her arrest.
The nine settlements reached with affected families remain confidential, but they underscore the scale and seriousness of the allegations. These include both injury and wrongful death claims. The hospital has since committed to improving its surveillance, reporting, and staff training procedures.
Community Response and Hospital Actions
This case has sparked widespread outrage across the medical and nursing communities. In response, Henrico Doctors’ Hospital has implemented a buddy-observer system, installed enhanced surveillance, and renewed staff training on child abuse reporting.
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.
Timeline Highlights
- Summer 2023: Four infants suffer fractures; Strotman placed on administrative leave.
- Late 2024: Additional babies suffer injuries.
- January 2025: Strotman arrested.
- February 2025: License suspended; new indictments issued.
- May 2025: Charges total 20; nine families reach settlements with hospital’s parent company.
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.
Nurse.org will continue to update this story as new information emerges.
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