Elizabeth Struhs inquest concludes after examining child protection agencies
An inquest into the death of Elizabeth Struhs has concluded after examining child protection agencies' responses.
Elizabeth Struhs died in January 2022. Elizabeth's father stopped providing her lifesaving insulin when he joined a fringe religious sect called The Saints.
The sect rejects medical care. A Brisbane coronial inquest ran for a week and a half.
Nearly 30 witnesses gave evidence. The inquest examined whether child protection agencies responded adequately.
Elizabeth's older sister Jayde told the inquest she hoped her death would provide "learnings to save the next quiet little girl who cannot speak for herself, before it's too late." In 2025, her parents and 11 sect members faced murder charges.
They were acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter. Her parents were each sentenced to more than 14 years in prison.
The other sect members were sentenced to between six and nine years. Coroner Ainslie Kirkegaard reserved her decision.
Findings will come in 2027.
- 8 years old
- Elizabeth's age
- January 2022
- When she died
Why it mattersThe inquest outcome could reshape how Queensland child protection agencies respond to families with religious beliefs that reject medical treatment.
AustraliaQueensland government's child safety systems will face scrutiny in the coroner's findings, likely triggering policy review.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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