Toowoomba couple face court over ‘murder and torture’ of girl, 8
A man and a woman charged with the murder and torture of an eight-year-old girl in southeast Queensland have faced court.
Police have laid a third murder charge over the disappearance of Brisbane man Lachlan Griffiths. (Image: QPS)
Kerrie Elizabeth Struhs and Jason Richard Struhs are charged with murder, torture and failure to provide necessities of life.
The couple cannot apply for bail and were remanded in custody until March 24 during a brief appearance in Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
The child was found dead on Saturday afternoon at a home at Rangeville, Toowoomba.
Detectives on Tuesday arrested the 50-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman who were both were known to the child.
State MP for Toowoomba South David Janetzki claimed the girl was known to Queensland’s Department of Child Safety.
“What happened here and could it have been prevented? To think of the little girl’s suffering is heartbreaking,” he said.
“The child was obviously known to the department and there are serious questions about how this tragedy occurred.
“This precious child, like so many vulnerable children, deserved protection but the system has failed her.”
Minister for Children, Youth Justice and Multicultural Affairs Leanne Linard has been contacted for comment.
