A NICU nurse at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, has been accused of deliberately targeting Black newborns, leaving seven infants with broken bones in what investigators describe as a racially motivated spree of abuse.
Erin Strotman, 26, now faces charges of malicious wounding and felony child abuse for her alleged actions, which have left the local community and families outraged, DailyMail reports.
According to law enforcement sources, evidence, including surveillance footage and testimonies, indicates that Strotman specifically targeted Black babies under her care.
“This wasn’t random or circumstantial,” said an official close to the investigation, who requested anonymity, the outlet reports.
“She singled out these infants because of their race.”
Among the victims were twin brothers Noah and Micah Hackey, born prematurely in August 2023. Micah suffered a fractured tibia, while Noah endured additional, unexplained injuries. Their father, Dominique Hackey, described his devastation: “You trust someone to take care of your children in their most vulnerable moments, but instead, they became victims of hate and cruelty.”
Sources claim investigators uncovered racist remarks linked to Strotman during their probe, further supporting allegations that her actions were racially motivated. Community leaders have expressed their outrage, demanding justice for the families and accountability for the hospital.
Henrico Police Chief Eric D. English addressed the matter at a press briefing: “The deliberate targeting of children, especially along racial lines, is not just criminal—it’s inhuman. Our department will pursue every avenue to ensure justice for these innocent victims.”
Henrico Doctors’ Hospital issued a statement expressing shock and sadness: “We are horrified by these allegations and are cooperating fully with authorities. The safety and well-being of our patients remain our top priority, and we are reviewing all procedures to ensure such a tragedy never occurs again.”
Civil rights activists and community leaders have also demanded transparency from the hospital, which has faced scrutiny over its handling of the case. “How could this have gone unnoticed for so long?” asked Rev. Cynthia Porter, a local advocate. “The families deserve answers, and so does the Black community.”
Strotman’s arrest follows a year-long investigation into injuries sustained by seven infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
The hospital has since closed the NICU for new admissions and implemented additional security and monitoring protocols.
