An intensive care physician testified in the Victorian Supreme Court regarding the ongoing trial of Erin Patterson, who faces three murder charges and one attempted murder charge. Dr Stephen Warrillow expressed deep concern for Ian Wilkinson, the only surviving guest from a lunch on July 29, 2023, which is alleged to have been tainted with deadly death cap mushrooms. The lunch, hosted at Patterson’s home in Leongatha, resulted in the fatal illnesses of her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson.
Dr Warrillow conveyed to the jury that initially, Mr Wilkinson’s prognosis was grim as he was admitted with acute liver failure, one of four guests who suffered from this condition following the meal. The doctor described Mr Wilkinson’s critical state, where he had to be intubated and was undergoing treatment with activated charcoal and vitamin C. By August 4, Mr Wilkinson’s situation worsened temporarily, requiring a laparoscopy to investigate his bowel, yet he displayed some improvement from August 5 to 7.
While Mr Wilkinson’s health gradually improved, allowing him to move from intensive care to a rehabilitation facility by September 11, the same couldn’t be said for the other guests. Sadly, Heather Wilkinson passed away from acute liver failure on August 4, and both Don and Gail Patterson succumbed to their conditions shortly after, with Don ultimately passing away on August 5 after a liver transplant did not yield positive results. Dr Warrillow stated that both Gail and Heather were too ill to undergo similar transplants.
The physician testified that the symptoms exhibited by all four individuals were consistent with death cap mushroom poisoning, and investigations found no alternative explanations for their illnesses. He emphasised the high mortality rates associated with treatment for such poisoning, even under optimal conditions.
Throughout this harrowing testimony, Erin Patterson appeared distressed as details of the tragedy were recounted in the courtroom. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges, insisting the incident was a tragic accident. The trial is set to continue on Monday.