A jury has begun hearing the case against Erin Patterson, a 50-year-old mother accused of murder following the deaths of three individuals after a lunch at her Leongatha home in July 2023. The prosecution alleges that the guests consumed a dish containing death cap mushrooms, which resulted in severe poisoning.
The deceased, Heather Wilkinson, reportedly expressed confusion during the meal about the differences in her plate compared to Patterson’s, noting it had a distinct design. After the lunch, which comprised individual beef wellingtons accompanied by mash potatoes and green beans, Heather became ill, a situation that would tragically lead to her death later.
Patterson invited her estranged husband, Simon, and his family for lunch under the pretext of discussing how to inform their children about her health issues. Despite a prior text from Simon declining the invitation due to discomfort, Patterson insisted on making the lunch special, indicating she might not have such an opportunity for some time. Notably, she arranged for her children to be absent during the gathering.
Shortly after the meal, the guests began experiencing nausea and diarrhoea. Don and Gail Patterson sought medical assistance first, while the Wilkinsons later drove themselves to the hospital. As more symptoms arose, all four individuals were transferred to hospitals in Melbourne, where health professionals suspected mushroom poisoning.
The investigation revealed that Patterson had obtained mushrooms from both a Woolworths store and a dried mushroom supplier in Oakleigh, raising concerns about the origins of the poisonous fungus. When questioned by a toxicologist, Patterson was unable to recall the specifics of her purchase, suggesting she might have been at another location altogether.
Patterson has entered a not-guilty plea to three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder concerning her guests. As the trial progresses in Morwell, she faces serious charges that could change her life forever. The courtroom proceedings continue with the prosecution and defence locked in a battle over the events of that fateful lunch.