A former neonatal nurse in Richmond, Virginia, accused of abusing Black babies under her care, has been released on a $25,000 bond, sparking outrage among affected families.
Erin Strotman, 26, is facing felony charges of malicious wounding and child abuse after multiple infants at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital NICU suffered unexplained injuries, including bruises and fractures, between 2023 and 2024. Authorities have identified her as the only suspect in the ongoing investigation.
Strotman was arrested in 2024 after a baby in her care suffered a wrist fracture and bruising. Prosecutors revealed that surveillance footage allegedly shows her mishandling an infant, adding to concerns about a pattern of abuse.
Despite the severity of the charges, a judge ruled that Strotman was not a flight risk or a danger to herself, allowing her to be released on bond. She will remain under house arrest at her parents’ home and is prohibited from being around children, vulnerable adults, or working in health care. Her parents are also required to remove all firearmsfrom their residence.
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The bond ruling has left many of the victims’ families angry and frustrated.
Dominique Hackey, whose baby was injured in the NICU in 2023, told ABC 7 Chicago that the decision, while expected, still felt like a gut punch.
“I think we share the same feeling of anger,” Hackey said. “This is something that we were prepared for, but obviously we didn’t expect.”
The court has sealed Strotman’s mental health evaluation and text messages with her boyfriend, leaving many details of the case unknown to the public. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for May, where more evidence may come to light.
As the investigation continues, families of the affected infants are demanding justice and accountability, calling for greater protections for newborns in neonatal care units.
