Toowoomba trial examines death of diabetic girl linked to religious sect

The trial concerning the death of Elizabeth Struhs, an eight-year-old girl with type 1 diabetes, has been ongoing in Toowoomba since July 10. The court is examining the actions of 14 members of a religious sect, who are accused of participating in her death by allegedly withdrawing her insulin, believing that divine intervention would heal her. Judge Martin Burns ruled that these individuals acted with a common purpose, which allows evidence from one defendant to be used against others if it supports the alleged common goal. The prosecution has yet to establish that this common purpose was unlawful or that any of the defendants are guilty, as all have entered pleas of not guilty. The judge noted that there is reasonable, independent evidence of participation from each accused, which is crucial for the prosecution's case. The trial has already presented various forms of evidence, including testimonies and body-worn camera footage. Elizabeth had previously been hospitalized due to complications from her diabetes, and her father, Jason Struhs, is among those accused. The court has been shown footage of the sect members singing and praying for Elizabeth after her death, which adds a layer of complexity to the case. As the trial progresses, the focus remains on whether the actions of the sect members constituted a common purpose that led to Elizabeth's death, and the implications of their beliefs on the legal proceedings. The outcome of this trial could have significant consequences for the defendants and the broader community.