Religious Group Members Convicted in Tragic Death of Eight-Year-Old Elizabeth Struhs
In a harrowing case that has gripped Australia, fourteen members of a fringe religious group have been found guilty of the manslaughter of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs. The young girl, who suffered from diabetes, died in 2022 after being denied her essential insulin medication for nearly a week.
Elizabeth Struhs passed away at her family’s home in Toowoomba,Queensland,after developing diabetic ketoacidosis,a life-threatening condition caused by dangerously high blood sugar levels. The court heard that her treatment was withheld by the group, who believed in faith healing over medical intervention.
the trial revealed chilling details about the circumstances surrounding Elizabeth’s death. Her sister, Jayde Struhs, testified against the defendants, providing crucial evidence that helped secure the convictions. jayde’s testimony painted a heartbreaking picture of the family’s involvement in the religious group and their decision to prioritize their beliefs over Elizabeth’s health.
The fourteen convicted individuals include Elizabeth’s parents and twelve othre members of the congregation. They were found guilty of manslaughter on January 29, 2025, marking the end of a lengthy legal battle. The case has sparked widespread outrage and renewed discussions about the balance between religious freedom and child welfare.
During the trial, some members of the group claimed that Elizabeth would be resurrected, a belief that further highlighted the extreme nature of their faith. These statements were met with disbelief and condemnation from the public and legal experts alike.
the verdict serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of denying medical care to vulnerable individuals,particularly children. It also raises critically important questions about the accountability of religious groups in such cases.
Key Details of the Case
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| victim | Elizabeth Struhs, 8 years old |
| Cause of Death | Diabetic ketoacidosis due to withheld insulin |
| Location | Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia |
| Convicted Individuals| 14 members of a religious group, including Elizabeth’s parents |
| verdict | Manslaughter |
| Date of Verdict | January 29, 2025 |
This tragic case underscores the importance of safeguarding children’s rights and ensuring access to necessary medical care, irrespective of religious beliefs.For more details on the trial and its implications, visit the ABC News report or the Associated Press coverage.
The conviction of these individuals marks a significant moment in the ongoing conversation about the intersection of faith and law. It is a somber reminder of the need for vigilance in protecting the most vulnerable members of society.Tragic Case of Faith Healing Ends in Manslaughter Convictions for Queensland Church Members
In a heartbreaking case that has gripped Australia, members of a small religious group known as the Saints have been convicted of manslaughter following the death of 8-year-old Elizabeth Struhs. The group, which opposes medical care in favor of divine healing, believed that prayer alone would save the young girl as her health rapidly declined.
Elizabeth’s father,Jason Struhs,and the group’s leader,Brendan Stevens,were initially on trial for murder but were ultimately found guilty of the lesser charge of manslaughter. Twelve other members, including Elizabeth’s mother and brother, were also convicted. All had pleaded not guilty, maintaining their faith in God’s healing power.
Justice Martin Burns, who delivered the nearly 500-page verdict, acknowledged the deep love Elizabeth’s parents and the congregation had for her. “It cannot be doubted that Elizabeth was lovingly cared for in almost every way,” he said. However, he emphasized that their unwavering belief in divine intervention had fatal consequences.“Due to a singular belief in the healing power of God… she was deprived of the one thing that would most definitely have kept her alive.”
the Saints, a group of roughly two dozen members from three families, are not affiliated with any established church in Australia. Their faith-based rejection of medical care became the center of a months-long judge-alone trial in the Supreme Court of Queensland, which began in July 2023.
Prosecutors painted a grim picture of Elizabeth’s final days, calling 60 witnesses to testify. The young girl, described as “intelligent,” suffered immensely as her condition worsened. “She was described as speaking little, needing help going to the toilet, and being incontinent,” said prosecutor Caroline Marco. Elizabeth endured vomiting, extreme lethargy, and a loss of consciousness as her family and congregation prayed and sang for her at their home in Toowoomba, located about 125km (78 miles) west of Brisbane.
The case has sparked widespread debate about the intersection of religious freedom and child welfare. while the Saints’ devotion to their beliefs is undeniable, the tragic outcome underscores the dangers of rejecting medical intervention in critical situations.
Key Details of the Case
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Victim | Elizabeth Struhs, 8 years old |
| Location | Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia |
| Group Involved | the Saints, a small religious group |
| Convictions | Manslaughter (14 members, including parents and group leader) |
| Trial Duration | Several months, beginning July 2023 |
| Prosecution Witnesses| 60 |
This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of balancing faith with the obligation to protect vulnerable lives. As the community grapples with the tragedy, questions about legal accountability and the limits of religious freedom continue to resonate.for more information on the legal proceedings, visit the Supreme Court of Queensland. To learn about child welfare laws in Australia, explore the Australian Government’s Department of Social Services.
What are your thoughts on this case? Share your viewpoint in the comments below.
faith, Tragedy, and the Death of Elizabeth Struhs: A Courtroom Drama
In a case that has gripped the nation, the trial of 14 members of a religious group over the death of 12-year-old Elizabeth Struhs has revealed a harrowing story of faith, family, and fatal decisions. The court heard that Elizabeth, who suffered from type 1 diabetes, died after her parents and their congregation decided to withhold her insulin, trusting rather in divine intervention.
The Decision to Stop Insulin
Prosecutors argued that Jason Struhs, 53, and his wife Kerrie Struhs, 49, made the conscious choice to stop administering insulin to their daughter, believing that God would heal her. Jason, who had converted to the church later than his wife, initially supported medical treatment for Elizabeth. However, after being baptized into the group, he changed his stance, a decision that prosecutors claim he knew would lead to her death.
Speaking through tears during the trial, Jason Struhs testified that he and Elizabeth had agreed to “stop the insulin” together. He maintained his belief that his daughter would be resurrected, telling the court, “Elizabeth is only sleeping, and I will see her again.”
A Faith-Based Defense
the group’s leader, Stevens, 63, defended their actions as rooted in faith, describing the trial as an act of “religious persecution.” He argued that the congregation was within its “rights to believe in the word of God fully” and that their refusal to enter pleas or seek legal portrayal was a deliberate choice to avoid engaging with the legal system.
The 14 defendants, aged between 22 and 67, represented themselves in court, refusing to enter pleas. The court was required to enter not guilty pleas on their behalf. Most were charged with counseling or aiding Jason Struhs in his decision to withhold Elizabeth’s insulin.
A Family Divided
Elizabeth’s sister, Jayde Struhs, testified that she had left the religious group and fled her family home at 16 after coming out as gay.She is now estranged from her family. Jayde and other witnesses described the congregation as having increasingly strict views, including the belief that mainstream healthcare should be shunned and that holidays like Christmas and Easter were ”pagan” or ungodly festivals.
The Aftermath
No effort was made to call a doctor when Elizabeth’s condition worsened, and authorities were not notified until 36 hours after her death. The group believed she could be brought back to life, a belief that ultimately proved fatal.
The trial has sparked a national conversation about the intersection of religious freedom and child welfare, raising questions about where the line should be drawn when faith conflicts with medical necessity.
Key Points of the Case
| Aspect | details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Victim | Elizabeth Struhs, 12, type 1 diabetes patient |
| Defendants | 14 members of a religious group, aged 22-67 |
| Charges | Counseling or aiding in the decision to withhold insulin |
| Defense | Actions were faith-based; trial described as “religious persecution” |
| Family Testimony | Jayde Struhs, Elizabeth’s sister, estranged from family after coming out |
| Outcome | Court entered not guilty pleas on behalf of defendants |
As the trial continues, the case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences that can arise when religious beliefs clash with medical care. The story of Elizabeth Struhs is one of tragedy, faith, and the enduring question of how far religious freedom should extend.
For more on this developing story, follow updates from ABC News.n# Australian Mother Sentenced to Life for Daughter’s Death due to Religious Beliefs
In a tragic case that has shocked Australia, a mother has been sentenced to life in prison for the death of her eight-year-old daughter, Elizabeth Struhs, who died from untreated diabetes. The mother, Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs, was found guilty of murder after withholding insulin from her daughter, citing religious beliefs.
Elizabeth’s father, Jason Richard Struhs, testified against his wife and received a more lenient sentence. He expressed regret for “letting his daughter down” and admitted to initially supporting his wife’s decision to deny medical treatment.
The Tragic Details
Elizabeth’s life was in danger as early as 2019 when she was admitted to the hospital in a diabetic coma, weighing just 15kg (2st 5lb). She had become too weak to walk and was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Doctors informed the family that Elizabeth would require daily insulin injections to manage her condition.
Despite the medical advice, Kerrie Struhs, a member of the religious group The Saints, refused to provide her daughter with the necessary treatment. The court heard that she believed in divine healing and thought Elizabeth would be “resurrected” after her death.
Jason Struhs initially supported his wife’s decision but later helped provide insulin for a period while Kerrie was in custody. However, his efforts were not enough to save Elizabeth, who passed away in January 2022.
The Legal Outcome
Kerrie Struhs was sentenced to life in prison, with a non-parole period of 18 years. The judge described her actions as a “gross breach of trust” and emphasized the importance of protecting children from harm.
jason Struhs, who testified against his wife, received a more lenient sentence. He expressed remorse for his role in the tragedy and acknowledged the devastating consequences of their decisions.
Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Victim | Elizabeth Struhs, 8 years old |
| Cause of Death | untreated type 1 diabetes |
| Mother’s Sentence | Life in prison, 18 years non-parole |
| Father’s Role | Testified against wife, received lenient sentence |
| Religious Group | The Saints |
This case has sparked a national conversation about the balance between religious beliefs and the duty to protect children’s health. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of denying medical treatment to vulnerable individuals.
For more information on the legal proceedings, visit the ABC News report.Toowoomba Religious Group Found Guilty of Manslaughter in Tragic Death of Elizabeth
In a case that has gripped the nation, 14 members of a Toowoomba-based religious group, known as The Saints, have been found guilty of manslaughter in the death of Elizabeth. The verdict, delivered by Justice burns, concluded that while Jason Struhs and Stevens could not be convicted of murder due to insufficient evidence of intent, all defendants were complicit in a crime that led to her tragic demise.
The case has shed light on the inner workings of the Saints, a close-knit congregation that broke away from the Revival Centres International church in Brisbane after Stevens failed to become a pastor. According to Jayde Struhs, Elizabeth’s sister, the group then formed their own parish, holding sermons at Stevens’ house multiple times a week.
Jayde expressed mixed emotions outside the court, stating, “We are only here today because more wasn’t done sooner to protect her or remove her from an incredibly unsafe situation in her own home.” She added that while she was pleased with the verdict, she believed the “system had failed” her sister.
Toowoomba, a city known for its diverse religious landscape, has long been home to a “colourful array of sectarian Christian groups and autonomous churches of various kinds,” according to Bernard Doherty, an expert on new religious movements. He described The saints as “one of these small independent churches which form around a few families,” noting that little is known about their practices or beliefs.
The group is expected to be sentenced next month, marking the next chapter in this harrowing case.
Key Points of the Case
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Defendants | 14 members of The Saints |
| Charges | Manslaughter |
| Verdict | Guilty |
| Key Figures | Jason Struhs,Stevens |
| Victim | Elizabeth |
| Group Background | Broke away from Revival Centres International in Brisbane |
| Next Steps | Sentencing expected next month |
This case has raised critical questions about the accountability of religious groups and the systems in place to protect vulnerable individuals. As the community awaits the sentencing, the tragic story of Elizabeth serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and intervention in cases of potential harm.
For more insights into the dynamics of new religious movements, explore the work of experts like Bernard Doherty, who continue to study these complex and often secretive organizations.
