{"id":1212,"date":"2025-03-25T14:25:37","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T14:25:37","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.radioindustrynews.com.au\/?p=1212"},"modified":"2025-03-25T14:25:37","modified_gmt":"2025-03-25T14:25:37","slug":"the-saints-by-9podcasts-exposes-australias-shocking-cult-tragedy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/radioindustrynews.com.au\/index.php\/2025\/03\/25\/the-saints-by-9podcasts-exposes-australias-shocking-cult-tragedy\/","title":{"rendered":"\u201cThe Saints\u201d by 9Podcasts exposes Australia\u2019s shocking cult tragedy"},"content":{"rendered":"

A haunting new podcast,\u00a0The Saints<\/em>, is set to unravel one of Australia\u2019s most shocking and heartbreaking stories: the tragic death of eight-year-old Elizabeth Struhs. Since its revelation in 2022, the case of Elizabeth\u2019s death at the hands of a religious cult in regional Queensland has stunned audiences worldwide, shedding light on the dangers of extreme religious groups.<\/strong><\/p>\n

At the heart of\u00a0The Saints<\/em>\u00a0is a story of lost innocence, unwavering faith, and the fatal consequences of unchecked devotion. Elizabeth, who suffered from a treatable illness, was denied medical care by her parents and the members of their radical religious community, all of whom believed divine intervention would heal her. Her avoidable death led to one of Australia\u2019s largest-ever mass trials, where 14 cult members \u2013 including her parents and brother \u2013 were found guilty of her tragic death.<\/p>\n

This hard-hitting podcast is a joint investigation by A Current Affair and\u00a09Podcasts<\/em>, presented by award-winning journalist\u00a0Pippa Bradshaw<\/strong>, whose extensive 15-year career in investigative reporting brings a uniquely insightful perspective. With over three years of in-depth research, Bradshaw delves into Elizabeth\u2019s heartbreaking story, unraveling the series of failures that led to her death and exposing the dark history of the cult that took her life.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis case is one of the most confronting but significant stories I\u2019ve ever covered,\u201d says Bradshaw.<\/p>\n

\u201cSharing Elizabeth\u2019s story in a podcast allows us to explore the complexities and shocking aspects of her case in more detail than ever before. My aim is to honour Elizabeth, shed light on the truth of her avoidable death, and address the many troubling questions that were left unanswered.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Saints<\/em>\u00a0takes listeners on a gripping journey through seven meticulously crafted episodes, which include exclusive interviews, harrowing police interrogations, and expert analysis. The podcast provides an intimate, chilling look into the cult\u2019s operations\u2014how its leader manipulated religious scripture to control followers, how new recruits were drawn in, and the broken families left to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives.<\/p>\n

Cameron Schoenfisch<\/strong>, whose son Lachlan was a convicted cult member, reflects on the profound trauma caused by the cult\u2019s grip. \u201cI can\u2019t really convey our suffering and the cost and the trauma. We didn\u2019t realise it could go so bad, so quick.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In a warning to other parents, Schoenfisch adds, \u201cDon\u2019t let this happen to you. Don\u2019t let this happen to your loved ones. Hold your children close and tell them you love them, because you never know when that\u2019s going to be the last chance you get.\u201d<\/p>\n

Beyond its exploration of cult dynamics,\u00a0The Saints<\/em>\u00a0raises important questions about potential systemic failures within Australia\u2019s justice and child protection systems.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe cult responsible for Elizabeth\u2019s death is now locked behind bars, but critical questions remain,\u201d says Bradshaw.<\/p>\n

\u201cElizabeth was left in the care of a religious cult with known extreme and dangerous beliefs, and a mother who had previously confessed that she would continue to withhold vital medication from her daughter. Through the final episodes of this podcast, we seek to investigate whether systemic failures contributed to Elizabeth\u2019s tragic death.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Saints<\/em>\u00a0is brought to life by an award-winning team renowned for their gripping, chart-topping true crime productions:<\/p>\n