A religious group is accused of causing the death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs by withholding her diabetes medication and instead opting to pray for her health. Elizabeth’s parents, Jason Richard Struhs and Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs, as well as 12 other individuals, are facing charges in relation to her death. The group’s leader, Brendan Luke Stevens, and Jason Struhs have been indicted for murder, while the other 12 defendants are charged with manslaughter. The defendants are currently meeting weekly in preparation for a trial that is expected to last seven weeks.
The defendants appeared in court via videolink from prison for a case review in the Brisbane Supreme Court. A pre-trial hearing to discuss categories of evidence is scheduled to take place on May 20 and 21, with the trial expected to start in early July. The accused individuals include Zachary Alan Struhs, Loretta Mary Stevens, Therese Maria Stevens, Andrea Louise Stevens, Acacia Naree Stevens, Camellia Claire Stevens, Alexander Francis Stevens, Sebastian James Stevens, Keita Courtney Martin, Lachlan Stuart Schoenfisch, and Samantha Emily Schoenfisch. Another case review is set for May 15.
The tragic incident took place in January 2022 in the Struhs family home in Toowoomba. Police allege that Elizabeth’s health deteriorated over six days as her medication was withheld, and emergency services were not notified. The group chose to pray for her instead of seeking medical attention. As the trial approaches, the accused are meeting regularly to prepare their defense. The case has sparked outrage and raised questions about the balance between religious beliefs and the duty to provide medical care to children.
The upcoming trial is expected to be a lengthy process, given the complexity of the case and the number of defendants involved. The prosecution will likely present evidence detailing the events leading up to Elizabeth’s tragic death, while the defense will seek to provide explanations and justifications for their actions. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for the accused individuals, as well as for the broader community. The case serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of ensuring that children receive proper medical care, especially in cases where their lives are at risk.
The tragic death of Elizabeth Struhs has highlighted the potentially deadly consequences of withholding medical treatment in favor of religious practices. The case has drawn attention to the tension between the freedom to practice one’s religion and the legal obligation to provide necessary medical care to children. The upcoming trial will provide an opportunity for justice to be served and for the truth of what happened to be revealed. It will be a challenging and emotionally charged process for all involved, as they grapple with the consequences of their actions and decisions. The outcome of the trial will have far-reaching implications and may prompt a reevaluation of how religious beliefs intersect with the duty of care towards children.
