Fourteen Members of a religious group are charged in the death of an eight-year-old girl remain behind bars as they continue to refuse legal representation.
The six men and eight women appeared before the Queensland Supreme Court in Brisbane on Friday for the case discussion.
Elizabeth Struhs died at the family home Toowoombawest of Brisbane on January 7 last year after her parents and 12 others allegedly withheld her from diabetes medication for six days.
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Instead, they prayed beside her and did not alert authorities as the girl’s health deteriorated, police said.
Elizabeth’s body was found at the Rangeville home on January 8.
Her father, 51-year-old Jason Richard Struhs, and Brendan Luke Stevens, 61, were charged with murder in a previous court appearance.
The other 12 people – including the child’s 48-year-old mother, Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs – have been charged with manslaughter.
The other defendants are Zachary Alan Struhs, Loretta Mary Stevens, Therese Maria Stevens, Andrea Louise Stevens, Acacia Naree Stevens, Camellia Claire Stevens, Alexander Francis Stevens, Sebastian James Stevens, Keita Courtney Martin, Lachlan Stuart Schoenfisch and Samantha Emily Schoenfisch.
The youngest accused is 20 years old, the oldest 66.
The women sat together in the dock on Friday, while the men sat among the correctional officers on the jury.
After the trial they chatted, most smiling and seeming in high spirits.
When asked by Judge Martin Burns whether the defendant wanted legal counsel or bail, some quietly replied “no,” while others shook their heads.
‘Full Disclosure’
Another judge previously spoke at length about their rights, Judge Burns said.
He asked Crown Attorney Todd Fuller KC to give each defendant a one-page document with legal aid, court and prosecutor numbers if they needed to be contacted.
Prosecutors have shared details of the charges with the group, but will provide a more comprehensive document and are required to disclose any material they intend to rely on during the trial.
“We need to get to the point of full disclosure as soon as possible,” Judge Burns told Fuller.
Correction services have been requested to allow the group to communicate with each other to prepare for the trial.
When Judge Burns asked how long the defendant had been in custody, Jason Struhs said, “I can tell you, Your Honor… I’ve been in custody for… two days, not 16 months.”
His wife was arrested the same day while the others have been behind bars since July last year.
“We must act as soon as possible, Mr. Fuller,” Judge Burns said.
Whether the trial will take place in Brisbane or Toowoomba and only before a jury or judge will be discussed later, he said.
Another case review is expected on June 16.