Queensland couple accused of murdering daughter Elizabeth Struhs appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court

The Toowoomba couple, accused of murdering their eight-year-old daughter Elizabeth Struhs by allegedly refusing lifesaving medication, have again faced court.

A Toowoomba couple accused of murdering their own daughter by refusing to provide her lifesaving medication has denied to consider the evidence against them after facing court again

Jason Richard Struhs and Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs both appeared in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday where their matters were mentioned.

The couple made separate appearances in custody on remand, with both confirming to magistrate Clare Kelly that they intended to proceed with their matters without legal representation.

The couple were both charged with murder, torture and failing to supply the necessaries for life following the death of their daughter, eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs.

Police alleged the couple withheld medication required by the child, who died in her Rangeville home sometime between January 7 and 8.

When asked by the magistrate if they had received the police brief of evidence the couple both confirmed that they had the material, but had still not yet looked at it.

“I don’t wish to go through it,” Mrs Struhs told the court.

The couple both confirmed that they were aware they could make an application to cross examine witnesses at their upcoming committal hearing, however they said they would be declining the opportunity to do so.

Emergency services were alerted to the girl’s death on the afternoon of January 8, 2022 after the Struhs family and members of their prayer group allegedly gathered to pray for Elizabeth’s recovery, with police alleging the parents opted for prayer over medical treatment, and that Elizabeth died as a result.

Ms Kelly said under the provisions of the Justice Act the magistrate presiding over the committal hearing may need to consider all evidence, and directed that the police prosecutor provide a submission addressing the liability both Mr and Mrs Struhs to their respective charges.

The magistrate also made a direction that prosecutions provide details to both the court registry and Mr and Mrs Struhs respectively addressing evidence contained in the brief that supports the elements of the charges they’re facing.

In adjourning the matter Ms Kelly ordered that the couple both appear in person for their respective committal hearings.

Mr Struhs will next appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on September 20, while Mrs Struhs’ committal hearing will be on September 26.

The couple have not entered any plea to their charges, and have made no application for bail, with the couple to remain in custody.

Originally published as Queensland couple accused of murdering daughter Elizabeth Struhs appear in Toowoomba Magistrates Court