A series of unexplained bone fractures in newborn boys at a Virginia hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has left families searching for answers and a community reeling. The incidents, spanning from 2023 to late 2024, came to light after the Henrico Doctors’ Hospital abruptly closed its NICU on Christmas Eve, citing an internal investigation into the “unexplainable fractures.” The common thread among the victims, according to one parent, Dominique Hackey, is that they were all boys. Beyond that, the infants came from diverse backgrounds, suffered a range of injuries, and seemingly had nothing else in common. Hackey’s son, Noah, suffered a fractured tibia in September 2023, an injury initially attributed to suspected child abuse but lacking sufficient evidence for prosecution.
The investigation took a dramatic turn with the arrest of Erin Elizabeth Ann Strotman, a 26-year-old registered nurse at the hospital, on charges of malicious wounding and child abuse related to one of the incidents. Police are actively investigating six additional cases, including Noah Hackey’s and three others from 2023 that were previously closed due to lack of evidence. While social media rumors suggested a racial motive, Hackey clarified that only two of the known victims were Black, dismissing those claims. He has been in contact with most of the other families, seeking to connect and understand the full scope of the situation. Strotman’s initial court appearance was held, with future proceedings scheduled, and the identity of the victim in the case she’s charged with remains sealed due to privacy regulations.
Hackey’s journey began with the premature birth of his twin sons, including Noah, who was born at 28 weeks and six days. The fractured tibia discovered during Noah’s NICU stay was a devastating blow, initially explained as a possible case of child abuse with insufficient evidence to pursue charges. The closure of the NICU and subsequent news reports revealed that Noah’s case wasn’t isolated. Hackey, who remembers Strotman as an unremarkable presence during their NICU stay, struggles to comprehend how someone could inflict harm on vulnerable infants. He emphasizes the emotional toll, highlighting that his son’s first experience was pain, a stark contrast to the joy and laughter a newborn should encounter.
The hospital’s response has included full cooperation with law enforcement, providing extensive surveillance footage. They expressed shock and sadness at the developments, emphasizing their focus on patient care and supporting their staff. The hospital has implemented additional security measures since the incidents, including 24-hour video surveillance, live-streaming options for parents, and a two-clinician entry policy for added safety. Hackey revealed that medical records indicate Noah’s injury occurred a day earlier than initially reported, a discrepancy adding to the family’s distress. The absence of surveillance cameras at the time of Noah’s injury further complicated the initial investigation.
The revelation that Strotman had been placed on paid leave prior to her arrest suggests that the hospital may have harbored suspicions earlier than publicly disclosed. This information, according to Hackey, was news to him and the other families he’s been in contact with. He has since retained legal counsel to navigate the complex legal landscape and protect his family’s interests. Police are urging anyone with information to come forward, as they continue to investigate the possibility of additional charges.
Despite the trauma, Hackey remains focused on his family’s future. He expresses gratitude for his twins’ health and well-being, acknowledging the challenges they’ve overcome. The twins, who were born after two miscarriages, are a source of strength and motivation for him. Hackey is determined to protect his children and move forward, cherishing the privilege of parenthood. The ongoing investigation and legal proceedings will undoubtedly shape the path ahead, as the families seek justice and a sense of closure.
