** 14 Members of Religious Sect Convicted in Manslaughter of 8-Year-Old Girl **

** Fourteen members of a religious sect in Australia were found guilty of manslaughter in the death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs who died of diabetic ketoacidosis in January 2022. The group, who believed in God's ability to heal, chose prayer over medical intervention despite her worsening condition, according to Brisbane's Supreme Court ruling. Justice Martin Burns stated the girl's death was "inevitable" due to the group's refusal to administer insulin or seek medical help.

During a nine-week trial that included testimony from 60 witnesses, it emerged that Elizabeth's parents, along with other sect members, believed God had healed her and actively avoided medical treatment. Elizabeth had been diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes in 2019 but was denied necessary insulin in her time of need.

The spiritual leader, Brendan Stevens, and Elizabeth’s father, Jason Struhs, faced murder charges but were convicted of the lesser manslaughter charge, as the judge determined there was insufficient evidence that they knew her death was likely. Sentencing for the convicted members will take place on February 11, 2025.

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