The jury in the case involving mushroom cook Erin Patterson will commence its first full day of deliberations regarding her alleged involvement in a triple murder. This trial, taking place in the Victorian Supreme Court, has now reached its tenth week. The jurors must determine whether the 50-year-old Patterson deliberately served her guests beef Wellingtons infused with lethal death cap mushrooms.
The tragedy unfolded on July 29, 2023, when Patterson hosted a lunch for her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail’s sister, Heather, all of whom died after consuming the meal. Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, also ate the dish but fortunately survived, spending months in hospital recuperating.
Patterson has maintained that the incident was unintentional and pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. Throughout the trial, which featured testimonies from over 50 prosecution witnesses, Patterson took the stand for eight days, providing her account of events. Following this, both the prosecution and defence presented their closing arguments over a week. Justice Christopher Beale then instructed the jury on critical issues they must consider, particularly whether the prosecution had convincingly demonstrated that Patterson had the intent to kill when she served the fatal mushrooms.
Justice Beale emphasised the principle of reasonable doubt, instructing jurors that they must acquit Patterson if any doubts about her guilt remain. He explained to the jury that a unanimous verdict is required and that they must remain sequestered during their deliberations until they reach a decision on all charges. The jury is instructed to deliberate daily from 10.30 am to 4.15 pm, including a potential Sunday session if they have not yet reached a verdict, during which they will not deliberate but remain together.
The outcome now hinges on the jury’s conclusion, as they weigh the evidence presented over the past weeks and the critical considerations set forth by Justice Beale.