Tight-knit church linked to parents accused of murdering Elizabeth Rose Struhs
Police have identified a family-based Toowoomba church group linked to the parents being investigated for the alleged murder of an eight-year-old girl, also revealing the condition they claim was left untreated before her death.
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Police have identified a small Toowoomba church linked to the mother and father accused of murdering their eight-year-old daughter.
A couple has led small, family-based church services out of a rental home in Toowoomba City since 2011.
It is alleged police will identify the church as part of its investigation into Jason Richard Struhs and Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs and that the main belief of the “church” revolves around the healing powers of Jesus.
Police will investigate if the church members were at the Struhs’ Rangeville home on the day Elizabeth died.
The Struhs are among only three families known to attend the church.
Police will allege Elizabeth suffered from Type One Diabetes but her parents stopped treating the illness some time about January 2. By January 7, Elizabeth had become extremely ill and is thought to have died on Friday.
Rather than call paramedics, police will allege the family gathered members of their church to pray over Elizabeth’s body.
Neighbours described hearing singing, music and loud voices coming from the home on Saturday.
When The Chronicle visited the home on Thursday, a small group of people were praying and singing in the garden.
The church declined to comment on the death of Elizabeth and asked for privacy.
A neighbour, who requested anonymity, said the family moved into the Toowoomba home in 2011.
“They are an odd bunch,” he said.
“There are two families who visit every weekend, and you often hear music and singing.”
The neighbour said the house had been buzzing with activity the day Mrs and Mr Struhs were charged with murder.
“The cars lined the street, and there was a big group of people in formal clothes,” he said. “They were there in the morning, and they came back again at night.”
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Originally published as Tight-knit church linked to parents accused of murdering Elizabeth Rose Struhs
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