Australian Woman on Trial for Alleged Poison Mushroom Murders Claims Tragedy Was ‘Terrible Accident’
- Victor Nwoko
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
Erin Patterson, a 50-year-old woman from Leongatha, Victoria, is on trial for the alleged murder of three relatives and the attempted murder of a fourth after serving a meal believed to be laced with deadly death cap mushrooms. Patterson has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
The incident occurred on July 29, 2023, when Patterson allegedly served mini beef Wellingtons containing poisonous mushrooms to her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, at a family lunch in her home. All three died as a result of poisoning. Pastor Ian Wilkinson, Heather's husband, was the only survivor and is the subject of the attempted murder charge.
In court, Patterson admitted to foraging wild mushrooms but insisted the deaths were the result of a “terrible accident.” Her defense counsel, Barrister Colin Mandy, SC, argued she had no intent to harm anyone and simply panicked after learning four people had become severely ill from a dish she had prepared. Mandy said her behavior following the incident, including discarding a food dehydrator used to dry mushrooms and lying about having cancer, stemmed from being overwhelmed and frightened rather than malicious intent.
The prosecution, led by Crown prosecutor Dr. Nanette Rogers, argued that Patterson deliberately served the contaminated meal and took calculated steps to cover up her actions. The jury heard that she did not eat the meal herself, pretended to fall ill, and never gave her children any leftovers that contained the mushrooms. Dr. Rogers told jurors that although the prosecution would not present a specific motive, they would prove that Patterson’s actions were intentional and consistent with guilt.
Phone data presented in court showed Patterson's device had been detected in areas known to contain death cap mushrooms, as identified on the iNaturalist website, a platform that logs flora locations. Prosecutors alleged Patterson used this site to source the toxic mushrooms used in the meal. Evidence was also presented that she had factory reset her phone multiple times and discarded her previous device, which has never been recovered.
Additionally, the court heard that Patterson had previously used a food dehydrator to dry mushrooms and had hidden them in food prepared for her children, such as muffins and brownies, without their knowledge. She claimed this was done to prove to her daughter that she liked mushrooms despite previously expressing dislike.
Following the meal, medical staff at Leongatha Hospital reportedly urged Patterson to have her children examined after she claimed they had eaten the dish. She initially refused, saying the children had no symptoms and did not consume the mushrooms. Dr. Chris Webster, concerned for the children’s health, warned Patterson they could “be scared and alive, or dead,” and ultimately called emergency services after she left the hospital and ignored follow-up calls. Patterson eventually returned and claimed the children had eaten the meat, but not the mushroom or pastry.
Dr. Rogers argued that the children's meals were not contaminated and that Patterson’s statements were designed to deflect suspicion.
The jury also learned that Patterson's relationship with her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, had deteriorated over time despite previously friendly communication. The couple separated in 2015, and Simon had expressed hope for reconciliation. According to the prosecution, Patterson became upset when Simon identified himself as separated on official documents in 2022. Three attempted murder charges previously filed against Simon Patterson were withdrawn last week.
The hearing continues as the court considers whether Patterson’s actions constitute premeditated murder or an accidental tragedy.
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