By David Chen for ABC
Twelve members of a religious group charged with murder over the death of an eight-year-old girl in southern Queensland have all been remanded in custody after appearing in court today.
Photo: 123RF
The seven women and five men, aged 19 to 65, were charged on Tuesday night over the death of Toowoomba girl Elizabeth Struhs.
She died at her Rangeville home on 7 January 2022, after she was allegedly denied medical care for type 1 diabetes for about six days.
The group was arrested during a morning raid of their house in the Toowoomba suburb of Harristown yesterday.
Andrea Louise Stevens, 32, was the first to appear via video link from a room at the Toowoomba watchhouse.
Stevens declined to seek legal advice and representation when urged to do so by Magistrate Kay Philipson.
Magistrate Philipson ordered a full brief of evidence to be made available by 10 August.
Police prosecutors then asked for Loretta Mary Stevens, 65, to be brought into the room, but watchhouse officers told them she was in the shower.
Keita Courtney Martin, 20, was next before the court and was again urged to seek legal representation.
"I understand, but I'm happy to represent myself," Martin replied.
She briefly whispered to someone off camera before her matter was adjourned.
Samantha Emily Crouch, 24, was fourth to appear, but there was brief confusion when Magistrate Philipson asked her name.
"Are you Samantha Crouch?" asked the Magistrate.
"Oh, I used to be, I've been married for four years," Crouch said.
Loretta Stevens was then brought before the court. She briefly replied to the magistrate's questions, again declining to speak to a lawyer about her charge.
Lachlan Stuart Schoenfisch, 32, Acacia Maree Stevens, 29, Alexander Francis Stevens, 24, Camellia Claire Stevens, 26, Sebastian James Stevens, 21, and Maria Therese Stevens, 35, were brought into the room one by one, with their matters proceeding in the same manner.
Questions asked
When Zachary Alan Struhs, 19, was brought before the court Magistrate Philipson asked, "Do you have any questions?"
At first, he replied 'no', before asking, "Am I being charged with any evidence being provided for two months?"
"Am I proven guilty? This is two months of my life and I'm innocent," he said.
Magistrate Philipson explained the court process before again urging him to seek legal advice, but Struhs declined with a "no, thank you".
Brendan Luke Stevens, 60, was the last accused to be brought before the magistrate.
He replied in a strong and confident voice in response to Magistrate Philipson's questions.
When asked if he had any questions, Stevens said, "I think it's disgusting that no justice [has been] done."
"Why are not we being released on bail immediately? We have been out for the last six months; I have a child at home that needs care," he said.
Stevens then agreed to speak to a lawyer for further advice.
His matter was adjourned until early September.
Parents charged
Elizabeth's parents, Jason Struhs, 50, and Kerrie Struhs, 47, were charged on 11 January with murder, torture and failure to supply the necessaries of life.
The pair were last before the Toowoomba Magistrates Court in late June.
Appearing via video link the pair again chose to represent themselves.
They were remanded in custody and will return to court later in July.
- ABC
