Five men, seven women face court charged with murdering Elizabeth Rose Struhs

NAMED: Five men and seven women have appeared in court for the first time charged with the murder of Elizabeth Rose Struhs, with some questioning the legal process.

The names of the 12 people arrested on Tuesday and charged with killing eight-year-old Elizabeth Rose Struhs have been revealed as they face Toowoomba Magistrates Court.

Acacia Naree Stevens, Alexander Francis Stevens, Camellia Claire Stevens, Andrea Louise Stevens, Loretta Mary Stevens, Sebastian James Stevens, Therese Maria Stevens, Zachary Alan Struhs, Lachlan Stuart Schoenfisch, Samantha Emily Crouch, and Keita Courtney Martin, are each charged with murder.

A twelfth man, Brendan Luke Stevens, 60, is also charged with murder along with a single charge of failing to provide the necessities of life.

Lachlan Stuart Schoenfisch and Samantha Emily Crouch.

Appearing in a green jumpsuit via video link, Mr Brendan Stevens responded when asked by Magistrate Kaye Philipson if he had any questions.

“Yeah, I think it’s disgusting, you know, no justice is done here, police have brought a charge and straight away we’re remanded.”

“Why aren’t we being released on bail immediately, we’ve been out the last six months and I have a child at home... who needs care.”

Mr Stevens was told he could make an application for bail in the Supreme Court.

“Why do I need legal advice to do that, it should be automatically done,” Mr Stevens said.

“If I’m in here, how do I apply to the supreme court?”

Magistrate Philipson then said she could have a duty lawyer see him.

“Yes, they can come down and talk, yes,” Mr Stevens said.

His matters were stood down until later.

When Zachary Struhs appeared via video link on the charge of murder and asked if he had any questions he said, “I do have a question please”.

“How am I being charged without any evidence being shown for two months?” Mr Struhs questioned.

Brendan Stevens. Photo: A Current Affair

Magistrate Philipson told Mr Struhs that the police charges were based on material they have and urged him repeatedly to seek legal advice.

“So they don’t need any evidence to charge me?” Mr Struhs questioned.

When urged again to seek legal advice, Mr Struhs said, “no, thank you”.

“This is two months of my life and I’m still innocent.”

Magistrate Philipson responded that the case can be discussed later.

“In two months? That’s my life,” Mr Struhs said.

The 12 people in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday, along with Elizabeth’s parents, Jason Struhs and Kerrie Struhs, are members of a small home-based church that police allege operated out of the Stevens’ home in Bridge Street, East Toowoomba.

Police raided a second property in Homestead Ave in Harristown about 8am on Tuesday where they located and arrested the 12 people.

Elizabeth Rose Struhs

All have appeared via videolink, wearing green jumpsuits except for Loretta Mary Stevens, who was wearing a brown jumpsuit.

Andrea Louise Stevens and Keita Courtney Martin declined legal advice when they fronted Toowoomba Magistrates Court, despite being urged by Magistrate Kay Philipson to do so.

They were remanded in custody to August 31, as they must appear before Supreme Court to apply for bail.

In her appearance, Samantha Emily Crouch told the court she had been married for four years and was known as Samantha Schoenfisch.

She also declined legal advice.

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

Police will allege all 12 people were at Elizabeth’s Meredith Crescent home in Rangeville in the days leading up to her death on January 7.

They will further allege the accused were aware that Elizabeth had Type 1 diabetes, that the medication was being withheld but did not call for help.

Instead, police will allege the accused held a prayer service and sang songs, believing God would save Elizabeth’s life.