'Vulnerable and defenseless:' Newborns abused at Henrico hospital

Prosecutors have accused Erin Strotman of abusing four newborn babies in 2023. They were the first victims the hospital identified, and their injuries triggered the initial investigation. 

Prosecutors say they have discovered nine victims, all newborn babies.

In one case, she bent a baby's feet to his neck, essentially folding the child "in half or crunching him," the board said.

A trial is tentatively scheduled for February 2026, but Strotman could be back in court next month facing new charges. 

On Tuesday, prosecutors served Erin Strotman with six new charges of child abuse and malicious wounding as the case continues to expand.

On Monday prosecutors issued a direct indictment charging Erin Strotman with six counts of child abuse and malicious wounding. Prosecutors identified two new victims.

A Henrico County judge granted bond to Erin Strotman on Wednesday, after her lawyer submitted a mental health evaluation that determined she is not a risk to herself or others. 

A prosecutor said Erin Strotman was taking medicine for panic disorders and indicated the nurse had a substance abuse problem. 

In 2023, as Henrico Doctors' investigated the abuse of four infants, Erin Strotman was put on leave. Weeks after the hospital allowed her to return to work, three more newborns suffered injuries. 

Erin Strotman was charged with felony child abuse and malicious wounding after seven babies suffered unexplained fractures in the neonatal intensive care unit at Henrico Doctors' Hospital. 

When Henrico Doctors' discovered four newborns in the NICU suffered unexplained fractures, it did not contact authorities in a timely manner. Instead, it conducted its own investigation. 

"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," a hospital official said. 

Seven newborn babies experienced unexplained fractures, and in one case, an employee physically abused an infant. 

A judge in Salem has allowed the financial value of the settlements to remain private.

Authorities arrested Erin Strotman in early 2025 and charged her with 20 felony counts of child abuse and malicious wounding.

Hospital leaders didn't report the injuries as potential abuse until seven weeks after they discovered the first injury. A hospital spokesperson said it contacted authorities once it suspected the problem.

A bill by Del. Delores McQuinn, D-Henrico, says that hospital officials who fail to report suspected abuse within 24 hours are guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 12 months in jail.