The parents of an eight-year-old diabetic girl in Australia have been sentenced to 14 years in jail for manslaughter after denying her insulin for almost a week. Elizabeth Struhs, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2019, died from diabetic ketoacidosis at their home in Toowoomba in January 2022. Her parents, Jason and Elizabeth Struhs, believed in the healing power of God and were part of a religious sect that opposed medical treatment.
- Parents sentenced for daughter's manslaughter
- Girl denied insulin due to religious beliefs
- Death caused by diabetic ketoacidosis
- Religious sect opposed to medical care
- Sister estranged from family after leaving sect
- Trial described as act of religious persecution
Elizabeth Struhs was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at the age of five. Her family was informed that she required daily insulin injections to manage her condition. However, her parents, influenced by their beliefs in a religious sect known as The Saints, chose to forgo medical treatment, believing that God would heal her. This decision resulted in her death from diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes characterized by dangerously high blood sugar levels.
During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence from 60 witnesses, illustrating the severe suffering Elizabeth endured in her final days. The court heard that she experienced extreme lethargy, vomiting, and loss of consciousness while her family prayed for her recovery instead of seeking medical help. Elizabeth’s parents and the congregation believed she could be revived through prayer, delaying any notification to authorities until 36 hours after her death.
Brendan Stevens, the leader of The Saints, was also sentenced to 13 years in prison for his role in the case. Eleven other members of the sect received sentences ranging from six to nine years. Justice Martin Burns, who presided over the case, noted that while the accused loved Elizabeth, their actions directly led to her tragic death. The court emphasized that their singular belief in divine healing deprived her of the medical care that could have saved her life.
The sentencing of Elizabeth Struhs’ parents highlights the critical issue of medical neglect in the name of faith. Their conviction serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking appropriate medical care for chronic health conditions, particularly in children who are vulnerable and dependent on adults for their well-being.
