The trial of Erin Patterson, a 50-year-old woman accused of murdering three family members, is set to commence tomorrow at the La Trobe Valley courthouse in Morwell, Victoria, approximately 150km southeast of Melbourne. Patterson is alleged to have poisoned her family with a beef Wellington containing toxic death cap mushrooms during a lunch on 29 July 2023.
Facing three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, Patterson is said to have targeted her mother-in-law, Gail Patterson, her father-in-law, Don Patterson, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson. Additionally, she is charged with the attempted murder of Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson. Patterson has pleaded not guilty to all charges, asserting her innocence.
The trial is anticipated to last between five to six weeks, with a jury of twelve being empanelled tomorrow. Proceedings are to begin on Wednesday. Despite the high-profile nature of the case attracting significant media attention, only six courtroom spaces will be made available for journalists, with a daily ballot determining who will be admitted.