Erin Patterson Murder Trial Nears Verdict After Closing Arguments in Leongatha

Erin Patterson is on trial for the alleged murder of her parents-in-law, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, as well as the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson, by serving poisonous death cap mushrooms in a meal at her Leongatha home in 2023. Prosecutors argue that Patterson deliberately used a food dehydrator to prepare the mushrooms and tried to hide evidence by disposing of the dehydrator shortly after the incident, which she initially denied owning. The prosecution also highlighted inconsistencies in Patterson's behavior, noting her resistance to medical treatment and calm demeanor during her hospital transport, which they say contradicts claims of genuine illness and suggest consciousness of guilt. The defense contends that Patterson's account has remained largely consistent despite intense questioning and argues that variations in her story are natural and expected in different contexts, urging the jury to consider this when evaluating the evidence. The trial reached its closing arguments with the prosecution emphasizing Patterson's alleged deliberate actions and the defense focusing on the reliability and consistency of her testimony. The jury is tasked with deciding whether there is reasonable doubt about Patterson's guilt based on the evidence presented.