An Australian woman is on trial for allegedly murdering her estranged husband’s parents and an aunt by serving them a beef Wellington laced with poisonous mushrooms. Erin Patterson, 50, faces charges for the deaths of Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66. She is also charged with the attempted murder of Reverend Ian Wilkinson, Heather’s husband.
The trial began at the Supreme Court of Victoria in late April 2023. Patterson denies all charges. Testimony from her estranged husband and Reverend Wilkinson has shed light on the events surrounding the tragic lunch that took place on July 29, 2023, at Patterson’s home in Leongatha, a small town in Victoria.
Patterson had invited the four victims for lunch, along with her estranged husband, Simon Patterson. Although Simon and Erin had separated amicably in 2015, their relationship soured by late 2022. He had declined her lunch invitations, including this one, citing discomfort. Text messages revealed Erin was disappointed by his absence, as she had prepared a "special meal."
Reverend Wilkinson testified that he and his wife were happy to be invited to the lunch, even though they found it unusual. They learned later that Don and Gail were also invited. During the lunch, Patterson prepared the food alone, rejecting offers of help from her guests.
The meal included beef Wellington, which prosecutors claim was intentionally laced with death cap mushrooms, one of the most toxic mushrooms in the world. Reverend Wilkinson recalled that the guests were served large plates while Patterson used a smaller one. After the meal, Patterson allegedly fabricated a story about having cancer to explain the gathering, suggesting it was a way to discuss how to tell her children about her illness.
By midnight, all four guests experienced severe symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhea. They were hospitalized the following day, with tests showing abnormal liver results. While Patterson claimed she also became ill, her symptoms were mild, and tests revealed no evidence of mushroom poisoning in her.
The situation escalated when all three guests died within days of the lunch, while Reverend Wilkinson survived after spending seven weeks in the hospital. Police began a homicide investigation shortly after the deaths, identifying Patterson as a suspect. They discovered a food dehydrator linked to her that contained death cap mushrooms.
Patterson has maintained her innocence, describing the incident as a "terrible accident." She submitted a statement to police, expressing her distress over the deaths and insisting she had no reason to harm her loved ones.
The prosecution argues that Patterson acted with intent to kill, though they have not suggested a specific motive. The trial is expected to continue until early June, as the court examines the evidence and testimonies surrounding this shocking case.