In a heartbreaking case, 14 people, including the parents of 8-year-old Elizabeth Rose Struhs, were found guilty of manslaughter in an Australian court on Wednesday. The little girl, who had Type 1 diabetes, died in January 2022 after being deprived of the insulin she needed to survive.

Elizabeth’s parents and members of a small religious sect they belonged to opted not to seek medical help, believing it went against their faith. Instead, as the girl grew weaker and eventually lost consciousness, the group gathered around her, singing and praying.

The sect, led by Brendan Stevens, claimed during the trial that their beliefs centered on the healing power of God, viewing medicine as a form of witchcraft. Elizabeth’s father, Jason Struhs, even stated that he believed his daughter could be resurrected.

While some members faced additional charges of murder, the judge ruled there wasn’t enough evidence to prove they knew withholding insulin would likely lead to her death. All 14 defendants chose to represent themselves, refusing legal assistance.

This tragic case has sparked widespread discussion about the intersection of faith, parental responsibility, and the law. Elizabeth’s death serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of medical care, especially for vulnerable children.