Twelve Religious Group Members Charged Over Eight-Year-Old's Death

religion Religious Group Members queensland Australia medication diabetes Type 1 diabetes

By Camille Hutchison , Parent Herald Jul 10, 01:56 pm

Twelve members of a religious group are involved in the death of an 8-year-old in Queensland, Australia. According to some sources, the religious group is small, tight-knit, and has no ties to any established church in Toowoomba.

The child, Elizabeth Struhs, died at her family home in Rangeville, in Southern Queensland, on January 7, after allegedly being denied medical treatment for a period of approximately and roughly six days, according to the state police.

It brings the total number of suspects charged with murder in the case to 14, including her parents.

FBC reported that the religious group didn't take the kid to the hospital but prayed for her recovery instead.

Elizabeth's Parents Were Also Charged For Her Death

Elizabeth's parents, Jason and Kerrie Struhs, a 47-year-old woman and a 50-year-old man were charged with murder, torture, and failure to comply with necessities of life in January. Their most recent court appearance was in June.

Allegedly, Elizabeth's parents were the ones who are also involved in praying for her fast recovery and did not seek any medical assistance for her.

The 12 individuals were arrested on Tuesday and are expected to appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Whereas, Jason and Kerrie Struhs, Elizabeth's parents, will return to court later in July.

Queensland Police said in a statement to CNN that the group especially her parents had been aware of Elizabeth's deteriorating medical condition but did not seek any help.

Emergency services weren't contacted until about 5.30 pm on January 8, the day after Elizabeth's death.

Below are the age of members involved and their charges:

A 60-year-old man has been charged with one count each of murder and failing to supply the necessaries of life.
A 65-year-old woman, a 35-year-old woman, 32-year-old woman, 32-year-old man, 29-year-old woman, 26-year-old woman, 24-year-old man, a 24-year-old woman, 21-year-old man, 20-year-old woman, and 19-year-old man have been charged with one count of murder.

Setting Up a Fundraising for Elizabeth

Elizabeth has been diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and everyone is aware of her underlying health condition. However, she was denied insulin treatment for about six days.

Detective Acting Superintendent Gary Watts said in a statement that he had never witnessed nor dealt with a matter like this, in his 40 years of being in service.

"And I'm not aware of a similar event in Queensland, let alone Australia," he added.

Watts mentioned that the charges were the culmination of an "unprecedented" six-month police investigation.

Jayde Struhs, Elizabeth's supporter stated in a fundraiser set up to support Elizabeth's sibling, that her parents were part of a fear-driven and controlling cult that took the religion to its extremes.

Her death had left their extended family totally shattered and heartbroken.

"We have faced the brutal reality that the people who should have protected her did not, and we may never know the full extent of what took place," she added, per Yahoo News .