In a high-profile triple murder trial in regional Victoria, Erin Patterson, aged 50, stands accused of poisoning her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66, with deadly mushrooms. Patterson has pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include murder and attempted murder.
The alleged incidents unfolded after a lunch where the Pattersons consumed what they believed to be beef stroganoff, though it’s claimed that this dish was tainted with death cap mushrooms. Witnesses have provided harrowing accounts of the couple’s rapid health decline following the meal, with both suffering severe vomiting and diarrhoea for several hours.
Responding to an emergency call, patient transport officer Cindy Hyde arrived at the couple’s home in Korumburra, located about 120 kilometres southeast of Melbourne. Upon arrival, she noted that Don was particularly ill, requiring a stretcher for transport to Korumburra Hospital. Registered Nurse Lisa Shannon indicated that Don’s condition was markedly worse than Gail’s, leading to his urgent transfer to a facility that could offer more advanced care.
At Dandenong Hospital, during treatment, Don reported having vomited approximately 30 to 40 times since midnight. Initially diagnosed with food poisoning, doctors conducted further evaluations and suspected poisoning from Amanita mushrooms, rather than commonplace food-related illnesses. The hospital struggled to find the antidote Silibinin, necessitating coordination with other medical facilities for appropriate treatment.
Meanwhile, Ian Wilkinson, another guest at the lunch, shared his recollection of being given a charcoal drink for treatment, later recovering fully and being discharged. Tragically, Heather and Gail succumbed to their conditions, passing away on August 4, with Don following shortly after on August 5.
The prosecution, led by Justice Christopher Beale, is building a case based on the patients’ testimonies and medical evidence as the trial progresses into its seventh day. The prosecution claims the events surrounding the mushroom poisoning were a deliberate act, while Patterson maintains her innocence throughout the proceedings.