The trial of a fringe religious group accused of killing a Queensland girl has begun, with the case expected to run for weeks.
Eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs, a type 1 diabetic, died in January 2022 in her home in Toowoomba, west of Brisbane, after she allegedly went days without insulin.
Police alleged Elizabeth Struhs, a type 1 diabetic, died after going days without insulin.Credit: Nine
Her parents, along with 12 members of their religious group, were arrested and charged.
The group, comprising three families who called themselves “the Saints”, allegedly prayed next to Elizabeth, and did not alert authorities as her health deteriorated.
A court has previously heard she would have spent her final days suffering from “insatiable” thirst, weakness and stomach pains.
Her father, Jason Richard Struhs, 52, and the group’s leader Brendan Luke Stevens, 62, have each been charged with murder.
The girl’s mother, Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs, 49, was charged with manslaughter.
Also charged with manslaughter are the other members of the group: Zachary Alan Struhs, 21; Loretta Mary Stevens, 67; Therese Maria Stevens, 36; Andrea Louise Stevens, 34; Acacia Naree Stevens, 31; Camellia Claire Stevens, 28; Alexander Francis Stevens, 25; Sebastian James Stevens, 23; Keita Courtney Martin, 22; Lachlan Stuart Schoenfisch, 33; and Samantha Emily Schoenfisch, 25.
They have pleaded not guilty and have repeatedly declined legal representation.