In January 2022, Elizabeth Struhs was discovered dead at her Toowoomba home, approximately 125 km (78 mi) west of Brisbane. It was reported that Elizabeth had been without insulin for a few days.
The group, according to the prosecution, rejected the use of medication and believed that God would “heal” the kid. These “extreme beliefs” were the reason Elizabeth’s life had nearly ended in a similar situation three years prior.
Among the 14 accused are the girl’s parents, all of whom have declined legal representation.
Additionally, none of them have chosen to enter a plea to the allegations. Formally, such is regarded as a not guilty plea by the court.
The religious group’s head, Brendan Stevens, 62, and Elizabeth’s father, Jason Struhs, 52, have been charged with Elizabeth’s murder; according to the prosecution, they knew Elizabeth would most certainly die as a result of the group’s conduct.
Manslaughter charges have been brought against the girl’s mother, Kerrie Struhs, 49, brother, Zachary Struhs, 21, and ten other people, ages 22 to 67.
Wearing prison attire, the group filed in one by one as the trial got underway in the Queensland Supreme Court on Wednesday, assuming their designated seats in a courtroom that had been specially made to accommodate them all.
Since the case is so complex and well-known, the judge is the only person handling the trial; there is not a jury. It is anticipated that it will take about three months to complete.
