The girl’s father, Jason Struhs, 52, was charged with murder while her mother, Kerrie Struhs, 49, was charged with manslaughter.
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The parents of an 8-year-old child are facing trial in Australia for her tragic death after authorities alleged they withheld her vital insulin. Reports indicate the couple believed that God would heal their daughter.
Two years ago, on January 7, 2022, young Elizabeth Struhs was discovered lifeless in her Toowoomba home, about 80 miles from Brisbane. Her death shocked the community and has now led to a judge-only trial that started on July 17 at the Queensland Supreme Court.
Investigations revealed that Elizabeth’s death was due to diabetic ketoacidosis, a severe condition arising when the body cannot produce enough insulin. Tragically, it’s claimed she was denied her diabetes medication which she needed for her type 1 diabetes.
Elizabeth’s father, Jason Struhs, faces murder charges. Brendan Stevens, the 62-year-old leader of a religious group called the “Saints,” to which the family belonged, is also charged with murder. Meanwhile, Elizabeth’s mother, Kerrie Struhs, her brother Zachary, and other group members are facing manslaughter charges.
On the first day of the trial, all 14 defendants pled not guilty and rejected any plea deals.
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According to Prosecutor Caroline Marco, members of the Saints held extreme beliefs, including faith that God would miraculously cure Elizabeth. This led to the withholding of her critical diabetes medication and care.
Marco further explained that the group convinced Jason and Kerrie to gradually reduce Elizabeth’s insulin until she was completely off it by January 3, just days before she passed away.
Louise Conwell, a senior endocrinologist at Queensland Children’s Hospital, provided crucial testimony. She recounted an incident in July 2019 when Elizabeth was admitted for a severe case of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Conwell described Elizabeth as “extremely emaciated” and “malnourished,” weighing just 28 pounds. The child was critical and had to be intubated. It was the most severe case Conwell had seen in her 20-year career.
During a phone call with Elizabeth’s mother, Conwell stressed the importance of giving Elizabeth insulin. Unfortunately, Kerrie did not believe her daughter needed the medical care, including insulin.
The trial is extensive, with over 60 witnesses set to testify and more than 70 hours of phone intercepts and video recordings to be reviewed. This case is expected to unfold over three months as the court examines the tragic events leading to young Elizabeth’s death.
