Fourteen members of a religious sect in Australia were found guilty of manslaughter in the death of 8-year-old Elizabeth Struhs. The verdict was delivered on January 29, 2025, after a nine-week trial where it was revealed that the group withheld insulin from the girl, believing that God would heal her instead.
- Fourteen sect members convicted of manslaughter
- 8-year-old girl died from untreated diabetes
- Group believed in divine healing over medicine
- Parents failed to seek medical help
- Justice described Elizabeth as a vibrant child
- Sentencing scheduled for February 11
The case centered around Elizabeth Struhs, who died on January 7, 2022, from diabetic ketoacidosis due to a lack of insulin. Her parents and the other sect members believed in the healing power of prayer and rejected conventional medical treatment, which they viewed as contrary to their faith. During the trial, Justice Martin Burns noted that Elizabeth was a well-cared-for child who was deprived of necessary medical care because of the group’s beliefs.
Key details from the trial included:
- Elizabeth was diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes in 2019.
- Her condition worsened over six days without medical intervention.
- The group maintained a vigil around her, praying and singing even after she had stopped breathing.
Following her death, the group continued to express faith in divine intervention, delaying the call for emergency services for over 36 hours. When police arrived, they found the sect members gathered, singing and praying. The trial revealed the sect’s isolation and strict adherence to their beliefs, which ultimately led to the tragic outcome. The 14 members found guilty will face sentencing on February 11, 2025.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting medical treatment in favor of faith-based practices. The tragic death of Elizabeth Struhs has prompted discussions about the responsibilities of parents and communities in ensuring the health and safety of children.
