Queensland Coroner Launches Inquest into Girl’s Death Linked to Faith-Healing Cult

A Brisbane coronial inquest has been opened to investigate possible failures by Queensland government bodies in the death of 8-year-old Elizabeth Rose Struhs. Elizabeth died in January 2022 at her family’s home in Rangeville after her parents, Jason Richard Struhs and Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs, stopped administering insulin, following the doctrine of the “Saints” faith-healing group that rejects medical treatment. Fourteen members of the sect, including the parents, brother Zachary Alan Struhs and leader Brendan Luke Stevens, were convicted of manslaughter in a 2025 Supreme Court trial and are serving sentences of six to 14 years.

Coroner Ainslie Kirkegaard will hear evidence from up to 30 witnesses about the adequacy of contact by the Department of Education, Child Safety, Queensland Police, Queensland Corrective Services and health services. The inquiry, scheduled from Monday to October 23, aims to determine whether the agencies could have done more to protect the child. Prior investigations revealed earlier neglect charges against the parents and limited follow-up after an intervention plan was closed in 2019.