Slipping in and out of consciousness, eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs suffered for days after her diabetes medication was withheld.
A religious group called “the Saints” supported Elizabeth as her health declined, with her family and 11 other members praying vigilantly by her side.
Elizabeth passed away over three years ago at her family’s residence near Brisbane, and today, the 14 members of the church group are set to receive their sentencing for the charge of manslaughter.
Prior to Elizabeth’s tragic demise at their Toowoomba house, Jason Struhs, her father, became a part of the Saints four months earlier. He was baptized in August 2021, considering it one of the most significant days of his life.
Trial witnesses described the Saints as a “cult”, accusing them of brainwashing Jason Struhs and others.
Jason Struhs signed a diabetes management plan for his daughter after his wife was jailed in July 2021 for failing to provide Elizabeth with the necessities of life.
After his wife returned on December 16, 2021, he stopped giving Elizabeth her rapid-acting insulin on New Year’s Day.
When that made the Saints “happy”, he ceased her remaining slow-release doses.
Six days later the Saints found Elizabeth unresponsive and she died while lying on a mattress in the family home’s living room.
“You took Elizabeth’s life. You had no right. On judgment day, God will see you for what you truly are,” Elizabeth’s sister Jayde Struhs told her killers in court earlier this month.
Justice Martin Burns reserved his decision on sentences until today.
The crown prosecutor submitted that Elizabeth’s parents should be imprisoned for 15 years, “main instigator” Stevens for 12 and the rest between seven and eight years.
Therese Maria Stevens, 37, Sebastian James Stevens, 24, Loretta Mary Stevens, 67, Camellia Claire Stevens, 29, Andrea Louise Stevens, 35, Alexander Francis Stevens, 26, Acacia Naree Stevens, 32, Samantha Emily Schoenfisch, 26, Lachlan Stuart Schoenfisch, 34, and Keita Courtney Martin, 24 were the others on trial.
Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.
