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The religious sect members who killed Elizabeth Struhs
Feb 25, 2025
Andrew Messenger, Queensland state reporter for Guardian Australia, delves into the tragic case of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs, whose life was cut short by her family's extreme religious beliefs. He discusses how insulin was withheld due to sect beliefs and the chilling lack of remorse from the convicted members. The podcast explores the courtroom dynamics, including the sect's refusal of legal representation, and the broader implications for child safety and faith-based medical decisions in Australia.
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Quick takeaways
- Elizabeth Struhs's death illustrates the severe consequences of extreme religious beliefs that reject essential medical treatments for children.
- The trial of the Saints highlights the collective responsibility of sect members in manslaughter, emphasizing the dangers of unchecked ideological convictions.
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Tragic Circumstances Surrounding Elizabeth Struess's Death
Elizabeth Struess, an eight-year-old who suffered from type 1 diabetes, died after her family, members of a religious sect known as the Saints, denied her necessary insulin. Her father, Jason Struess, along with other sect members, believed fervently in healing through prayer rather than medical intervention, leading to the withdrawal of her insulin. During her final days, Elizabeth displayed severe symptoms and ultimately fell into a coma before succumbing to diabetic ketoacidosis. Tragically, her death was preventable, as the medication she needed was within reach, highlighting the dire consequences of their beliefs.
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