New Details Emerge in Erin Patterson Mushroom Trial

Erin Patterson, 50, is on trial in Victoria, Australia, accused of murdering her former in-laws and an aunt by serving them beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms in July 2023, and attempting to murder a fourth guest who survived. Patterson has pleaded not guilty, claiming the incident was a tragic accident and that she purchased the mushrooms from a store, a claim unsupported by health inspectors. Prosecutors allege Patterson deliberately sourced and served the toxic mushrooms with intent to kill, and accuse her of deceptive actions such as providing a dummy phone to police, hiding her main phone, and disposing of a dehydrator later found to contain traces of the deadly fungi. The prosecution has labeled her court testimony as 'lies upon lies,' arguing she concealed the truth, while the defense disputes any motive and emphasizes positive family relations. Patterson's estranged husband, Simon, was invited to the lunch but did not attend. The case has attracted significant public and media interest, with closing arguments underway and jury deliberations about to begin.