12 people arrested over death of 8YO

Queensland police have arrested 12 people following the alleged murder of eight-yearold Elizabeth Struhs who died in January.

The child died in her Rangeville home in Toowoomba on January 7, after her parents allegedly tortured her and failed to comply with necessities of life.

Police allege that the child suffered from an underlying health condition and was denied medical treatment for six days. The 12 members of the religious group – who were charged on Tuesday morning – were allegedly present and aware of the girl’s medical condition and did not seek medical assistance. The child was not reported dead until the day after her death.

Detective Acting Superintendent Garry Watts said he had not seen a case like this in his 40 years of policing.

Out of the 12 people charged, eight were women and four were men.

“It will be alleged that 14 people in total made the choice to deny this young girl her right to medical care,” Detective Watts said.

Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs and Jason Richard Struhs appeared before Toowoomba Magistrates Court in early March – more than two months after charges were laid by police.

The pair are both charged with the murder and torture of their eight-year-old daughter Elizabeth Rose Struhs.

They are also each charged with a single count of failing to provide Elizabeth with the necessaries of life. Both Mr and Mrs Struhs are due to return to court on May 5, 2022.

Officers discovered Elizabeth’s lifeless body in the family’s Rangeville home on January 8.

Police allege the young girl was allegedly taken off her insulin medication days prior to her death on the belief she would be healed by God.