The trial of Erin Patterson, who faces charges of three murders and one attempted murder linked to a deadly lunch involving death cap mushrooms, commenced with her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, as the initial witness. The proceedings took place in Morwell, approximately 150 kilometres south-east of Melbourne, where the 50-year-old mother has pleaded not guilty to the charges stemming from the July 2023 incident.
Despite their separation in 2015, Simon was invited to a gathering at Erin’s home but opted not to attend, citing discomfort. Present at the lunch were Simon’s parents, Don and Gail Patterson, as well as his aunt and uncle, Heather and Ian Wilkinson. Tragically, three of the attendees succumbed to mushroom poisoning shortly after the event, while Ian Wilkinson fell critically ill but managed to survive.
During the trial, Prosecutor Nanette Rogers revealed that Simon Patterson had sent Erin a text the day prior, expressing his unease about attending. She highlighted that, following their separation, the couple maintained an amicable relationship, often sharing parenting duties and family vacations. Initially, Simon held out hope for a possible reconciliation, but a shift in their communication reportedly occurred in 2022 after a tax return incident, leading to a decline in their relationship and increased tensions regarding child support payments.
The prosecution claims that Erin engaged in deceptive behaviours both before and after the lunch, including fabricating health issues and providing misleading information to police regarding the disposal of a dehydrator. There are allegations that she feigned illness after consuming her meal, and her defence attorney, Colin Mandy, acknowledged some lies were told. However, he argued that Erin had no intention to harm her guests and acted out of panic following their illness.
On the day of the lunch, following a church service, Erin served a tailored beef Wellington dish featuring steak and a paste made from the toxic mushrooms, reportedly using separate plates for her guests. The court proceedings, presided over by Justice Christopher Beale, continue as this high-profile case unfolds, attracting significant public and media attention.
Listeners can follow the ongoing developments in this case through the podcast “Say Grace,” which delves into the intricate details of the trial.