Nurse Arrested Amid Investigation of Babies With 'Fractures' in ICU

The woman is charged with malicious wounding and felony child abuse.

January 6, 2025

Police in Virginia have announced an arrest amid the investigation into babies suffering unexplained “fractures” in a local ICU facility.

The woman in question, identified in a news release as 26-year-old former nurse Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, has been charged with malicious wounding and felony child abuse. These specific charges, per authorities in Henrico County, stem from a single incident circa November of last year. However, the larger investigation sees officials also taking another look at additional cases from 2023 and 2024.

“We appreciate the families’ and public’s patience as we work as thoroughly and expeditiously as possible to investigate every piece of evidence in connection to these cases,” Henrico Chief of Police Eric D. English said in a statement shared last Friday.

Online jail records show that Strotman was booked into custody on Jan. 3. A report from regional outlet WRIC that three babies are alleged to have suffered fractures last year, while a previous incident one year prior involved four infants. Strotman’s next court appearance is currently set for March.

In a statement shared in response to news of Strotman’s arrest, hospital reps confirmed that the woman arrested was “a former employee.” Hospital reps also said that they were helping police in the larger investigation “and will continue to do so” moving forward.

“We are both shocked and saddened by this development in the investigation and are focused on continuing to care for our patients and providing support to our colleagues who have been deeply and personally impacted by this investigation,” reps added. “We are grateful to those colleagues, who have dedicated their professional lives to the care and safety of our patients, as well as to law enforcement and the other agencies who have worked aggressively and tirelessly with us on this investigation.”

Complex has reached out to the Henrico County Police Division and the Henrico County Commonwealth Attorney’s Office for additional comment. This story may be updated.