A mother and father accused of murdering and torturing their eight-year-old daughter have indicated they will refuse to seek legal advice and remainxjmtzyw self represented.
Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs and Jason Richard Struhs appeared before Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Thursday more than two months after charges were laid by police.
The pair are both charged with the murder and torture of their eight-year-old daughter Elizabeth Rose Struhs.
They are also each charged with a single count of failing to provide Elizabeth with the necessaries of life.
Magistrate Graham Lee asked the couple individually, via videolink, if they were planning on seeking legal advice.
“Do you intend on getting legal advice?” Magistrate Lee said.
“No sir,” Mr Struhs said.
“I won’t be no,” Mrs Struhs said.
Mr Struhs appeared before the court with grown out shoulder length hair and a long beard.
Mrs Struhs showed little emotion.
Both Mr and Mrs Struhs are due to return to court on May 5, 2022.
Officers discovered Elizabeth’s lifeless body in the family’s Rangeville home on January 8.
Police allege the young girl was allegedly taken off her insulin medication days prior to her death on the belief she would be healed by God, the reports.
Jason, 50 and Kerrie, 46, were both arrested at the scene and remain in custody.
Jayde Struhs, Elizabeth’s eldest sister, spoke of the heartbreak of losing Elizabeth in a touching tribute.
“Elizabeth Rose Struhs was taken from us far too soon, and a lifetime of memories that we never got to have with her was gone in a moment,” she wrote.
“Her brave spirit in the face of medical adversity was inspiring. She was a bright light on all that met her.”
The charity drive has so far raised more than $14,900.
