Mushroom Murder Trial Details New Evidence in Victoria

Erin Patterson is on trial in Morwell, Victoria, accused of murdering her in-laws Don and Gail Patterson and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, who died after allegedly eating beef Wellington with death cap mushrooms at Patterson’s home in Leongatha in July 2023. She is also charged with the attempted murder of Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, who survived following a lengthy hospital stay. Patterson has pleaded not guilty, with her defense arguing the incident was a tragic accident, while prosecutors claim she lied about mushroom sourcing, owning a food dehydrator, and faked a cancer diagnosis to gather her relatives. Evidence presented includes texts about the meal and testimony that Patterson served herself from a different plate. The prosecution has said motive will not be proposed, as it is not required for conviction. The trial is expected to last five to six weeks, with key testimony from Patterson's estranged husband, Simon, who did not attend the lunch.