In a gripping trial, Erin Patterson has faced accusations of deliberately poisoning her estranged husband’s parents, Don and Gail Patterson, as well as his aunt Heather Wilkinson, resulting in their deaths, alongside charges of attempting to kill Heather’s husband Ian. The prosecution, led by Crown Prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC, suggested that Patterson intentionally sourced toxic death cap mushrooms and included them in the beef Wellington served to her former in-laws on July 29, 2023.
Throughout the trial, Patterson has maintained her innocence, firmly asserting “Disagree” in response to the prosecution’s claims that she acted with the intention to kill. On the eight and final day of her testimony at the Supreme Court in Morwell, Victoria, she faced intense scrutiny regarding her account of the mushrooms and the meal preparation.
Patterson claimed to have dehydrated dried mushrooms purchased from an Asian grocer before adding them to the dish, yet acknowledged that she had not disclosed this detail until now. Prosecutor Rogers challenged her credibility, insinuating that Patterson fabricated her story to create confusion about the origins of the mushrooms. Patterson rejected this characterization, standing firm against the allegations of dishonesty.
The prosecution also questioned Patterson about her hospital visit following the lunch, suggesting she misrepresented her symptoms and treatment for diarrhoea. Patterson maintained that she hadn’t informed medical staff about her previous use of Imodium, which she claims had been ineffective. This inconsistency was highlighted by the prosecutor as an indication of further deception.
Additionally, Patterson’s testimony regarding a roadside incident during a drive with her son was also contested, with her son’s denial raising doubts about her credibility. Despite the prosecution’s claims, Patterson insisted she had taken necessary precautions regarding her children’s meals, and claimed her children had been served reheated food, contrary to their statements suggesting they ate the same leftovers.
The prosecution scrutinised Patterson’s handling of her mobile phones, implying alleged concealment of evidence. Patterson argued she switched phones due to unsatisfactory performance, but records indicated continued use of the older device after the mushroom incident, which the prosecution claimed undermined her version of events.
As the trial concluded, Patterson became visibly emotional when re-examined by her defence barrister, Colin Mandy SC, as she recounted experiences involving her children’s activities. With the jurors ready to deliberate, the case has attracted significant media coverage and public interest.
Listeners can follow the evolving details of this case through the podcast “The Mushroom Trial: Say Grace,” presented by journalists from Nine and The Age, available on platforms like Apple Podcasts and Spotify.