In the ongoing trial of Erin Patterson, who faces charges of murdering three lunch guests, a judge has reminded jurors that they cannot convict her solely based on her admissions of lying. Justice Christopher Beale of the Victorian Supreme Court addressed the jury on the fourth day of proceedings, highlighting that while Patterson, 50, has acknowledged false statements—such as denying she foraged for mushrooms and that she owned a dehydrator—these do not automatically taint her entire testimony.
Justice Beale cautioned the jurors to evaluate Patterson’s credibility on a case-by-case basis and not presume guilt due to fabrication in some areas. “Do not reason that just because she has told a lie about something then she is guilty,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of considering all evidence presented by the prosecution.
The court is examining the events surrounding a meal on July 29, 2023, when Patterson’s former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and her sister-in-law, Heather Wilkinson, became gravely ill after consuming beef Wellington prepared by her. All three died in the days following the incident, while Ian Wilkinson, Heather’s husband, was the only guest to survive.
Patterson, who has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, claims she also fell ill after the meal, experiencing severe symptoms for over a day. However, the prosecution contends that she feigned her illness, knowing she had not consumed the poisonous death cap mushrooms implicated in her guests’ deaths.
Justice Beale noted that testimony from Patterson’s children, her ex-husband, and medical professionals often depicted her as appearing well post-meal. He urged jurors to consider the context of her actions following the incident, including her disposal of the dehydrator, which prosecutors argue indicates guilt. Conversely, Patterson’s defence suggested that these actions were driven by panic, sparked by fear of wrongful accusations and losing custody of her children.
Patterson has denied lying about her health and has insisted that she did not serve the leftover dish to her children. If jurors conclude that she engaged in questionable behaviour, they must evaluate whether it stemmed from fear rather than guilt.
As the jurors prepare for their deliberations next week, they will be reduced from 14 to a final panel of 12, tasked with determining Patterson’s fate. Justice Beale concluded the day’s session by reminding the jury that even if her conduct raises suspicions, it does not necessarily imply guilt. The trial has attracted significant media attention, now featuring in a podcast titled “The Mushroom Trial.”