Elizabeth Struhs

Months before the arrest of 12 people over the alleged murder of Queensland girl Elizabeth Struhs, the eigh...

July 2, 2022 July 4, 2022 July 5, 2022

Twelve people have been charged with murder for allegedly withholding a Queensland girl's medication for six days, and praying over her instead.

Parents Kerrie and Jason Struhs were charged with murder and torture of their 8-year-old, with 12 other members of "The Saints" also arrested this week.

I am in the process of having them live with myself and with my loving partner by my side... She posted a picture of herself with Elizabeth on GoFundMe and said she was "shattered and heartbroken" at her loss. Last year, a cult leader was found mummified in her Colorado home. Investigators on Tuesday arrested other members of their church group in connection with the girl's death, alleging that seven women and five men were aware of the situation. She has vowed to look after her other siblings and has launched a fundraising appeal for help. With much ahead of us yet to be determined, I am resolute that my number one priority is the children.

A dozen people from a religious group in Toowoomba, charged with murder over an eight-year-old girl's death, have been remanded in custody after their first ...

Loretta Stevens was then brought before the court. Brendan Luke Stevens, 60, was the last accused to be brought before the magistrate. Magistrate Philipson explained the court process before again urging him to seek legal advice, but Mr Struhs declined with a "no, thank you". Keita Courtney Martin, 20, was next before the court and was again urged to seek legal representation. The woman was polite but curt with her responses to Magistrate Kay Philipson and declined when urged to seek legal advice and representation. The seven women and five men, aged 19 to 65, were charged on Tuesday night over the death of Toowoomba girl Elizabeth Struhs.

Queensland police allege Elizabeth died at home after being denied life-saving medication in the belief songs and prayers would heal her.

Facing Toowoomba magistrates court on Wednesday, Brendan Stevens, 60, was also charged with failing to supply the necessaries of life. The Toowoomba Chronicle reported that Crouch and Schoenfisch testified to being a married couple, that members of the group declined legal advice and that they had been remanded in custody to 31 August. The 12 people charged this week were all arrested in the early hours of Tuesday morning in the same home in Harristown, Toowoomba. All 14 now charged with murder were members of a small and tightly-knit religious group who were allegedly present when the eight-year-old died, reportedly singing, chanting and praying.