Police allege parents took daughter off insulin medication to be ‘healed by God’

Almost a dozen people may have watched eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs’ health decline in the days leading up to her death, police allege.

Eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs was taken off her insulin medication a week before her death to allow her diabetes to be healed by God, police will allege.

And police are investigating the role played by more than 10 other adults who were allegedly aware of her declining health but did not attempt to get her medical help or alert authorities.

Elizabeth, who had type 1 diabetes, died on Friday but an ambulance was not called to her Toowoomba home until Saturday. Her parents Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs and Jason Richard Struhs have been charged with murder.

The parents are accused of withholding vital medication needed to treat her diabetes and it’s alleged that instead of calling paramedics, they gathered members of their church to pray over the little girl’s body.

Jason Richard Struhs is charged with murder.

It is understood two other church families were aware of the decision to allow Elizabeth to be healed by God, with the small religious group believing the little girl would “rise again”. It is understood the church members told police they did not believe in medicine or medical care.

It can be revealed the girl had been resuscitated two years earlier in a separate incident in which she was hospitalised.

Elizabeth has been remembered as a clever and cheeky child who loved playing music for her classmates and wanted to be a doctor when she grew up.

One of the Gabbinbar State School student’s teachers, Rachel La Franchi, took to social media to honour Elizabeth.

“She was Elizabeth Rose, however she preferred to be called Rose and always smiled at me when I remembered,” she said.

“She would give me a feigned look of indignation when I called her Lizzie, which I often did, but she knew that it was my pet name for her so she allowed it.

“Lizzie Rose was an extraordinary child.”

Elizabeth was known to love music and would often play her favourite classical pieces during class.

“She would sing out loud, play the keyboard and read chapter books and poetry to the class,” Ms La Franchi said.

“She was shy but she knew that the kids loved to see her out the front doing things to make them happy.

“She was loved and knew love – she was light itself. Rest easy now beautiful girl until we meet again.”

Elizabeth Rose Struhs’ home has been declared a crime scene she was decease at the Rangeville property on Saturday, January 8.

Elizabeth’s tragic death prompted an outpouring of grief from the community, and many who knew Elizabeth have contacted Toowoomba South MP David Janetzki’s office to express their sadness.

“People close to Elizabeth speak of a beautiful, clever and cheeky little girl,” he said.

“She loved to tell jokes and had a wicked sense of humour.

“She liked colouring in and solving puzzles.

Mr Janetzki was told by people who knew Elizabeth that she drew strength from her illness.

“Elizabeth dreamt of being a doctor when she grew up, because she wanted to help other children with Type 1 diabetes,” he said.

“Elizabeth was mature far beyond her eight years and took her chronic illness in her stride.”

Mr Janetzki echoed that Elizabeth was adored by her friends and teachers.

“Elizabeth’s death will forever leave a hole in the hearts of our community,” he said.

“She was robbed of the chance to grow up (by her death) and deserved so much more.”

A QPS spokesperson said the family was known to police.

A spokeswoman from Queensland Police service said the family was known to police and the Department of Child Safety.

Elizabeth’s sudden death has raised questions about when caseworkers last saw the young girl alive and well.

“What steps did Child Safety take to protect Elizabeth?” Mr Janetzki asked.

Children and Youth Justice Minister Leanne Linard said she could not comment directly on the matter because it was before the courts.

“The awful events in Toowoomba are gut-wrenching,” she said.

“I know that all Queenslanders join with me in sending their deepest sympathies to those affected by this heartbreaking loss.”

On Tuesday, the girl’s parents were charged with murder, torture and failing to provide the necessities of life.

They have been held in custody and are yet to enter a plea.