Elizabeth Struhs: 12 people have been arrested over the death of a eight-year-old

Police have arrested 12 people from a religious group following the death of an eight-year-old girl.

Queensland police have arrested 12 people over the death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs.

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

Police allege the child suffered from an underlying health condition and was denied medical treatment for six days.

Police will allege the 12 members of the religious group were present and aware of the girl’s medical condition and did not seek medical assistance. On Tuesday morning they were arrested over her death and are expected to be charged with murder later in the day.

The child was not reported dead until the day after her death, according to police.

12 people have been arrested over the death of a seven year old girl. Picture: Supplied.

Police charged Kerrie and Jason Struhs with murder, torture and failing to provide the necessities of life back in January.

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

“My nearly 40 years of policing I haven‘t been faced with a matter like this,” he said.

“I‘m not aware of a similar event in Queensland, let alone Australia.”

Out of the 12 people arrested, seven were women and five were men – their age ranges varied from their 20s, 30s and 60s.

There was also one 19-year-old who was arrested.

Elizabeth Rose Struhs was found in a Meredith Crescent home in Rangeville Toowoomba on January 8, 2022.

Detective Watts said the investigation was an unprecedented example of alleged murder of a child in Queensland.

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

“The arrests are the result of a six-month investigation, in which all officers involved were dedicated to ensuring those alleged to be responsible for her death, are brought before the court.”

Back in March the mother and father accused of murdering and torturing their eight-year-old daughter indicated they would not seek legal advice and remain self represented.

Jayde Stuhs (left) with her sister Elizabeth Rose Struhs (right).

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

The pair are both charged with the murder and torture of their daughter.

They are also each charged with a single count of failing to provide Elizabeth with the necessaries of life.

Magistrate Graham Lee asked the couple individually, via videolink, if they were planning on seeking legal advice.

Jason Richard Struhs and Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs are both charged with the murder and torture of their daughter Elizabeth Rose Struhs. Supplied

“Do you intend on getting legal advice?” Magistrate Lee said.

“No sir,” Mr Struhs said.

“I won’t be, no,” Mrs Struhs said.

Mr Struhs appeared before the court with grown out shoulder length hair and a long beard.

Mrs Struhs showed little emotion.

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

Police allege the young girl was taken off her insulin medication days prior to her death.

ayde Struhs, Elizabeth’s eldest sister, spoke of the heartbreak of losing Elizabeth in a touching GoFundMe tribute.

“Elizabeth Rose Struhs was taken from us far too soon, and a lifetime of memories that we never got to have with her was gone in a moment,” she wrote.

“Her brave spirit in the face of medical adversity was inspiring. She was a bright light on all that met her.”

The charity drive has so far raised more than $14,900.

Originally published as Elizabeth Struhs: 12 people have been arrested over the death of a eight-year-old