14 Religious Sect Members Convicted in Diabetic Girl's Death

The Queensland Supreme Court found all defendants guilty of manslaughter for withholding insulin from 8-year-old Elizabeth Struhs, citing their faith-based rejection of medical care.

Elizabeth Struhs, diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2019, died in January 2022 after her parents and fellow sect members stopped administering her insulin, believing God would heal her.
Justice Martin Burns ruled that while the defendants acted with extreme negligence, there was insufficient evidence to convict the father and sect leader of murder due to their belief systems.
The court heard that the religious group, known as 'The Saints,' viewed modern medicine as incompatible with their faith, relying solely on prayer and spiritual healing.
Elizabeth's sister, Jayde Struhs, criticized systemic failures in child protection, stating that more could have been done to prevent her sister's death after prior warnings.
All 14 convicted individuals, including Elizabeth's parents, brother, and sect leader, face sentencing on February 11, with potential life imprisonment for their roles in her death.