Religious Group Found Guilty in Death of 8-Year-Old Elizabeth Struhs

Fourteen members of a fringe church group face sentencing after withholding life-saving insulin from the diabetic child in 2022.

Elizabeth Struhs, an eight-year-old with type-1 diabetes, died in January 2022 after her parents and 12 others withheld her insulin, believing in faith healing.
The group's leader, Brendan Stevens, along with Elizabeth's parents, Jason and Kerrie Struhs, were among those convicted of manslaughter following a judge-only trial.
Prosecutors argued the group prioritized their religious beliefs over the child's life, despite witnessing her severe decline over six days without medication.
Elizabeth's sister and other family members delivered emotional victim impact statements, condemning the indoctrination and negligence that led to her death.
Sentencing for the 14 defendants is expected after February 24, with prosecutors recommending prison terms ranging from 7 to 15 years.