Multiple members of a religious group accused of killing eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs told the court the girl would be resurrected and rise again, more than two years after her death.

The type 1 diabetic died in January 2022 at her Toowoomba home after being stopped taking insulin.

The 14 accused members of the religious group are representing themselves in the Supreme Court in Brisbane and today began giving closing arguments in the trial that began almost two months ago.

Elizabeth’s father, Jason Richard Struhs, and alleged group leader Brendan Luke Stevens have been charged with murder, while the others — including the child’s mother — are charged with murder of passion.

The married couple were the first to speak.

In a speech lasting nearly 50 minutes, Lachlan Schoenfisch rejected the prosecution’s arguments, stating that the group believed God would heal Elizabeth and that she would be resurrected.

Mr Schoenfisch told the court that members of the group did not try to influence Elizabeth’s father, Jason Struhs, to stop her insulin.

“We couldn’t convince Jason to do anything or change anything,” Mr. Schoenfisch said.

“The Holy Spirit gave him this complete certainty.”

Mr. Schoenfisch said his religious beliefs were unwavering.

“Now I believe in everything more than ever before, and my faith is getting stronger and stronger,” he said.

His wife, Samantha Schoenfisch, said she was at the Struhs’ home before Elizabeth’s death to do laundry and play with the children, not to influence Jason Struhs’ decision about insulin.

“It’s really sad that if as a society we don’t allow ourselves to come together and support each other then it’s going to be a murder case,” she told the court.

Mrs. Schoenfisch told the court that Elizabeth Struhs would rise from the dead.

“We still believe that the Lord will resurrect her because he promised healing if we believe in him, and that is what we have done up until now,” she told the court.

Alleged leader’s son says he ‘loved’ Elizabeth

Alexander Francis Stevens — the son of the group’s alleged leader, Brendan Stevens — told the court the group was “completely united in its views.”

Speaking through tears, he said he loved Elizabeth “with all my heart” and respected what he called the 8-year-old’s wish not to take insulin.

“I’m glad to say I didn’t betray her trust,” he said.

“I did not belittle her faith because of her age and condition, I prayed for her fervently.

“Her death was not inevitable, but her healing and resurrection were.

He said the group had been portrayed as “fools” and “idiots” who had been “brainwashed” and were a “laughing stock”.

“I hold nothing in my heart against those who have persecuted and judged us, but I pray and hope that they and all who truly listen will be moved in their hearts to call out to God and find the same peace and truth that I have, that Elizabeth has.”

The two men charged with Elizabeth Struhs’ murder have not yet given closing arguments.