Fourteen members of an Australian religious sect, “The Saints,” have been convicted of manslaughter in the tragic death of 8-year-old Elizabeth Struhs, who was denied insulin for nearly a week. Diagnosed with Type-1 diabetes in 2019, Elizabeth passed away on January 7, 2022, from diabetic ketoacidosis due to lack of medical care.
The sect, rejecting conventional medicine, believed in divine healing. During a nine-week trial, it was revealed that Elizabeth’s father, Jason Struhs, and sect leader Brendan Stevens originally faced murder charges but were convicted of manslaughter. Despite Elizabeth’s suffering—vomiting, lethargy, and unconsciousness—the group continued praying, convinced God would heal her. Even after her death, members sang and prayed for resurrection, delaying emergency services for 36 hours.
Justice Martin Burns ruled that while Elizabeth was cared for in other ways, the group’s unwavering belief deprived her of life-saving treatment. Her sister Jayde expressed relief at the verdict but stated the system had failed Elizabeth. Sentencing for all 14 members is set for February 11.
