In a case that has horrified the nation, eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs tragically died at the hands of her own parents’ extreme beliefs in Toowoomba, Australia. The young girl, an insulin-dependent diabetic, was allegedly denied her life-saving medication by her parents and 12 other members of their cult-like church, ‘The Saints,’ who believed God would heal her. This devastating decision led to her untimely death in January 2022.
Elizabeth’s oldest sister, Jayde Struhs, who had been excommunicated from the family at the age of 16, expressed deep regret and sorrow over not being able to intervene. The cult, led by Brendan Stevens and including Elizabeth’s father, Jason Struhs, now faces serious charges. Jason Struhs is accused of murder, while Elizabeth’s mother, Kerrie, and 11 other members are charged with manslaughter.
This was not the first time the family’s dangerous beliefs had put Elizabeth in grave danger. In 2019, her parents were charged with failing to provide the necessities of life when she became seriously ill. Court documents reveal that Elizabeth was suffering severe symptoms, yet her mother, proclaiming faith in divine intervention, neglected her critical medical needs. By the time Elizabeth was finally brought to the hospital by her father, she was in a coma and weighed only 13 kilograms. Miraculously, she survived that incident, spending a month in the hospital and being diagnosed as a diabetic requiring daily insulin injections.
Despite this close call, Kerrie Struhs never visited her daughter in the hospital, maintaining her belief that God would handle the situation. In 2021, Jason pleaded guilty to failing to provide for Elizabeth, expressing extreme remorse, while Kerrie was found guilty at trial. Jason received a suspended six-month jail sentence, and Kerrie served five months of an 18-month sentence. Astonishingly, just three weeks after Kerrie’s release, Elizabeth died.
The case has raised serious questions about the oversight of Elizabeth’s care, particularly after her mother’s release from prison. Dr. Xanthe Mallett, a criminologist from the University of Newcastle, pointed out the failure of social services to monitor and intervene effectively. As the trial looms, scheduled to start in July next year, all 14 accused have refused legal help, reflecting their continued disdain for the legal system and the welfare of their children.
Elizabeth’s death is a stark reminder of the dangers of extreme religious beliefs and the importance of vigilant child protection services. As the community mourns the loss of a young life, the need for a robust response to prevent such tragedies in the future is evident. The trial will undoubtedly shed more light on the circumstances leading to Elizabeth’s death and the responsibility of those who chose faith over her well-being.
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