Erin Patterson has been accused of deliberately poisoning her former in-laws and their relatives during a lunch featuring beef Wellington, allegedly laced with toxic death cap mushrooms. Crown prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC presented her case to the jury, arguing that Patterson misled authorities by claiming she served her children the meal with the mushrooms removed, which prosecutors assert is a fabrication designed to deflect suspicion.
In her closing arguments at the Victorian Supreme Court, Dr Rogers challenged Patterson’s account, stating that the children had shown no signs of illness post-lunch, and that Patterson was evasive about taking them for medical evaluations. This inconsistency suggests that Patterson’s claims about feeding her children were intended to minimise her culpability, according to Dr Rogers.
Patterson, 50, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder following the deaths of Don Patterson, Gail Patterson, and her sister Heather, while Ian Wilkinson survived the meal on July 29, 2023. Prosecutors highlighted Patterson’s contradictory statements regarding her source of the mushrooms, noting that she provided ten different accounts. Dr Rogers pointed out Patterson’s ability to recall specific details about past dates while simultaneously being unable to remember basic information about the mushroom purchase.
Dr Rogers posited that Patterson’s repeated insistence on sourcing the mushrooms from an Asian grocer was fabricated, indicating that she was aware of the mushrooms’ hazardous nature and sought to mislead investigators. The trial, which has entered its concluding stages, continues to unravel Patterson’s narrative, with Dr Rogers stating that Patterson’s testimony raises significant doubts about her honesty.
As the prosecution concludes its case, Patterson’s barrister, Colin Mandy SC, is set to deliver a response. The courtroom remains focused on the complexities of the case, centred on the tragic deaths linked to what was supposed to be a family gathering.