On January 29, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia, 14 members of a religious group were found guilty of manslaughter in the death of 8-year-old Elizabeth Rose Struhs. The group, which included her parents, was accused of withholding necessary diabetes medication, leading to her death after six days without insulin.
- Parents and congregation members guilty of manslaughter
- 8-year-old girl died from lack of insulin
- Father and religious leader not guilty of murder
- Judge cited failure to prove reckless indifference
- Victim's sister criticized system's protection failures
- Sentencing set for February 11, potential life sentences
Elizabeth Rose Struhs died on January 7, 2022, at her home in Toowoomba, Queensland, after being deprived of her prescribed insulin for type-1 diabetes. Her father, Jason Richard Struhs, and Brendan Luke Stevens, the leader of their religious group “The Saints,” were initially charged with murder but were ultimately found guilty of manslaughter by Queensland Supreme Court Justice Martin Burns.
In addition to the father and Stevens, 12 other congregation members were convicted, including the victim’s mother, Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs, and brother, Zachary Alan Struhs. The court found no one charged escaped conviction, and all 14 individuals are currently remanded in custody and scheduled for sentencing on February 11, where they face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
During the trial, it was argued that the parents believed God would heal their daughter, which contributed to their decision to withhold insulin. Justice Burns noted that while the prosecution did not prove reckless indifference to life for the murder charge, the parents displayed an “egregious departure from the standard of care.” He urged all defendants to seek legal counsel before sentencing.
The convictions highlight the serious implications of neglecting medical needs, especially in vulnerable individuals. The case has raised concerns about the protection of children in similar situations, emphasizing the need for timely intervention in cases of potential harm.
