Erin Patterson was found guilty today of all charges in a high-profile mushroom murder trial, which involved the deaths of her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail’s sister, Heather, as well as the attempted murder of Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson. The verdict was delivered in a packed courtroom, filled with media and public spectators.
9News court reporter Penelope Liersch, who was present during the reading of the verdicts, reported that Patterson initially remained stoic, staring straight ahead while actively blinking. As the jury announced each verdict, her blinking intensified, reflecting her growing distress. Following the verdicts, Patterson’s gaze remained fixed on the jury, seemingly trying to gauge their reactions. She later turned her attention to the media, locking eyes with some reporters, though she did not appear to be crying.
Throughout the proceedings, Patterson was flanked by security personnel and had a brief conversation with her defence team before acknowledging a supportive female friend present in the courtroom. After the verdicts, this friend was seen wiping away tears as Patterson told her, “See you soon,” a statement that seemed poignant given the trial’s outcome.
The jury, which reached its decision shortly after 2:15 PM AEST, has significantly impacted Patterson’s life, determining her future amidst the serious allegations against her. Despite the overwhelming media presence and scrutiny, no family members of the Pattersons or Wilkinsons attended the verdict announcement, underscoring the gravity and emotional weight of the trial.
Liersch mentioned the presence of homicide detectives in the courtroom, including the lead investigator, highlighting the case’s complexity and the extensive evidence presented throughout the trial. As Patterson faced her fate, her emotional state appeared fraught; she was noticed taking deep breaths in an effort to maintain her composure in a tense and significant moment in her life.