Erin Patterson, aged 50, is currently on trial for allegedly murdering three guests who consumed a beef Wellington she prepared, allegedly containing poisonous mushrooms. The incident occurred on July 29, 2023, and resulted in the deaths of her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both aged 70, and Heather Wilkinson, aged 66. Her only survivor, Ian Wilkinson, was also a guest at the meal. Patterson has pleaded not guilty to the charges of three counts of murder and one of attempted murder, asserting that the incident was a tragic accident.
On July 31, she admitted herself to a hospital in Leongatha, Victoria, after experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms. The jury learned from nurse Mairim Cespon that Patterson appeared emotional during her visit, especially regarding the health of her young children who had consumed leftovers from the meal. Cespon highlighted that Patterson expressed concern for her children’s wellbeing, wishing to avoid unnecessary panic over their potential exposure to any toxins.
During her hospital stay, Patterson was monitored for symptoms related to the suspected mushroom poisoning. Cespon testified that Patterson was nauseous and had diarrhoea. The nurse also noted Patterson’s distress as she was told by a doctor that her children needed to be assessed for possible mushroom poisoning.
Patterson was described as tearful and anxious about her children’s condition, particularly after being informed of the dire health outcomes for her guests. Throughout her care, Cespon assisted Patterson with basic needs, including bathroom visits. When discussing her symptoms, Patterson indicated significant discomfort, rating her pain as a “seven out of ten.”
In ongoing developments, defence counsel Colin Mandy SC questioned the nurse regarding the appearance of Patterson’s bodily waste, suggesting a correlation with her symptoms of diarrhoea. Cespon acknowledged that such appearances weren’t uncommon for someone with digestive distress. Furthermore, she testified that when authorities conducted a welfare check at Patterson’s home, she informed them they could retrieve any leftover meal remnants for investigation purposes.
As the trial progresses before Justice Christopher Beale, Patterson maintains her innocence, asserting that she did not intend to harm her guests, while expressing profound concern for her children’s health and the tragic consequences of the lunch. The case continues to unfold with emotional testimonies and complex implications surrounding the events that led to this alleged crime.