Two parents and 12 members of an Australian religious congregation have been convicted of manslaughter in the tragic death of 8-year-old Elizabeth Rose Struhs. The young girl passed away on January 7, 2022, at her family's home in Toowoomba, Queensland, after being deprived of her insulin shots for six days due to her type-1 diabetes.
The father, Jason Richard Struhs, and the religious group leader, Brendan Luke Stevens, were initially charged with murder but were ultimately found guilty of manslaughter by Queensland Supreme Court Justice Martin Burns. Additionally, 12 other congregation members, including the victim's mother and brother, were also convicted of manslaughter.
All 14 individuals have been remanded in custody and are set to appear in court for sentencing on February 11. Each faces a potential maximum sentence of life in prison.
Following the verdict, the victim's adult sister expressed a mix of relief and disappointment, stating that while the outcome was positive, the system had failed to protect Elizabeth earlier. She emphasized the need for more proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
In his ruling, Justice Burns noted that while the prosecution could not establish reckless indifference to life on the part of the father and religious leader, the defendants had clearly neglected their duty of care towards the child. The judge highlighted the collective responsibility of the group in the tragic events.
During the trial, the defendants argued that they believed in divine healing and trusted that God would intervene to save the child. However, Justice Burns advised them to seek legal representation before the sentencing phase.
This case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of upholding the welfare of children and the duty of caregivers to provide necessary medical care. The upcoming sentencing will determine the consequences for those involved in this heartbreaking incident.
