Members of an Australian religious group are standing trial accused of causing the death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs by denying her necessary medical care.
Elizabeth, who had diabetes, was found dead at a residence in Toowoomba in January 2022, reportedly after being without insulin for nearly a week.
Prosecutors argue that the group, known as The Saints, chose to pray for Elizabeth’s healing instead of seeking medical assistance as her health deteriorated.
Among the defendants are Elizabeth’s parents, Jason Struhs (52) and Kerrie Struhs (49), along with Brendan Stevens (62), the leader of the religious group.
Jason Struhs and Brendan Stevens face murder charges, accused of encouraging or instructing other group members.
Kerrie Struhs, Elizabeth’s brother Zachary Struhs (21), and ten others aged 22 to 67 face charges of manslaughter.
In a courtroom specially adapted to accommodate all 14 defendants, who have opted to represent themselves, the trial opened at the Brisbane Supreme Court without a jury.
The defendants, dressed in prison khakis and blue uniforms, sat at two extended tables due to the dock being too small for them.
The defendants have declined legal representation and have not entered formal pleas, which the court interprets as a plea of not guilty.
Given the complexity and public interest in the case, the trial will be heard solely by a judge and is anticipated to span approximately three months.
Prosecutor Caroline Marco described Elizabeth as an “intelligent, spiritual child” during her opening statement.
She emphasized that Elizabeth was too young to comprehend the life-threatening consequences of her parents’ decision to withhold insulin, a decision that tragically cost her life.
Source-BBC
