Fourteen members of a small Australian religious group were convicted of negligence in the death of 8-year-old Elizabeth Strus, who died in 2022 after suffering from diabetic ketoacidosis due to a lack of insulin. The court heard that her family refused conventional medical treatment, believing instead in divine healing. Elizabeth’s father, Jason Strus, and the group leader, Brendan Stevens, were found guilty of negligence, while the other 12 members, including Elizabeth’s mother and siblings, were also convicted of negligence.
Judge Martin Burns highlighted that Elizabeth was deprived of necessary medical care due to their beliefs, despite having been taken care of in other ways. The family prayed for her healing while her condition worsened, and they delayed notifying authorities after her death. Elizabeth’s sister, Jaide, expressed her belief that the system failed to protect her sister. The group, consisting of about 20 members, had separate beliefs from established churches and was noted for its insular practices. Sentencing for the defendants will occur next month.
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