Elizabeth Struhs died from diabetes complications due to her parents' refusal of insulin, highlighting the dangers of extreme religious beliefs.
Parents Sentenced for Manslaughter After Death of Diabetic Daughter
Parents Sentenced for Manslaughter After Death of Diabetic Daughter
Two Australian parents face 14 years in prison for denying their child's medical treatment.
In a tragic case from Toowoomba, Queensland, the parents of an eight-year-old girl, Elizabeth Struhs, have been sentenced to 14 years in prison for manslaughter following their daughter's preventable death. Elizabeth, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2019, required daily insulin injections—a necessity that her parents rejected due to their adherence to a religious sect known as The Saints. This group believes in divine healing over medical intervention, leading to disastrous consequences.
In January 2022, Elizabeth succumbed to diabetic ketoacidosis—a life-threatening condition caused by prolonged high blood sugar resulting from the lack of insulin. Both her father, Jason Struhs, and mother, Elizabeth Struhs, along with 14 other members of the sect, were initially tried for murder but were convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter. Their pleas of not guilty were rejected, and Justice Martin Burns emphasized the parents' profound love for their daughter did not absolve them from responsibility.
The leader of The Saints, Brendan Stevens, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for his role in the case, where he was described as a "manipulative" individual by the judge. Eleven other sect members received sentences ranging from six to nine years. The prosecution highlighted Elizabeth's suffering in her final days, where she experienced extreme symptoms, including vomiting and unconsciousness.
Despite the girl's deteriorating health, her family chose prayer over seeking medical assistance, believing she would miraculously recover. Reports indicated that authorities were alerted only 36 hours after her death. In court, Jason Struhs expressed his belief that Elizabeth was merely "sleeping" and would be seen again in the afterlife.
The trial revealed significant insights into the sect's strict beliefs, which included rejecting mainstream healthcare and deeming major holidays as pagan. Elizabeth's sister, Jayde, estranged from the family due to her sexuality, expressed her concerns regarding the group and their extreme views. The Saints have no formal affiliation with an established religion in Australia and consist of about two dozen members from three families. The devastating case has raised critical discussions about parental rights, religious beliefs, and child protection laws.
In January 2022, Elizabeth succumbed to diabetic ketoacidosis—a life-threatening condition caused by prolonged high blood sugar resulting from the lack of insulin. Both her father, Jason Struhs, and mother, Elizabeth Struhs, along with 14 other members of the sect, were initially tried for murder but were convicted of the lesser charge of manslaughter. Their pleas of not guilty were rejected, and Justice Martin Burns emphasized the parents' profound love for their daughter did not absolve them from responsibility.
The leader of The Saints, Brendan Stevens, was sentenced to 13 years in prison for his role in the case, where he was described as a "manipulative" individual by the judge. Eleven other sect members received sentences ranging from six to nine years. The prosecution highlighted Elizabeth's suffering in her final days, where she experienced extreme symptoms, including vomiting and unconsciousness.
Despite the girl's deteriorating health, her family chose prayer over seeking medical assistance, believing she would miraculously recover. Reports indicated that authorities were alerted only 36 hours after her death. In court, Jason Struhs expressed his belief that Elizabeth was merely "sleeping" and would be seen again in the afterlife.
The trial revealed significant insights into the sect's strict beliefs, which included rejecting mainstream healthcare and deeming major holidays as pagan. Elizabeth's sister, Jayde, estranged from the family due to her sexuality, expressed her concerns regarding the group and their extreme views. The Saints have no formal affiliation with an established religion in Australia and consist of about two dozen members from three families. The devastating case has raised critical discussions about parental rights, religious beliefs, and child protection laws.
