An Australian woman accused of murdering three of her estranged husband’s elderly relatives with poisonous mushrooms has provided her version of the tragic lunch in a case that has captivated the public.
Erin Patterson, 50, faces charges for the July 2023 murders of her mother-in-law Gail Patterson, father-in-law Donald Patterson, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, as well as the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson, Heather’s husband.
The prosecution claims she intentionally served her guests deadly death cap mushrooms in a beef wellington at her residence in Leongatha, a town of approximately 6,000 located about 135km from Melbourne.
She disputes the allegations, asserting that the fatalities were a “horrible accident.” If convicted, she could face a life sentence.
Patterson mentioned she sought to enhance the flavor of the beef-and-pastry dish with dried mushrooms after finding it a “bit bland.”
While she initially thought a kitchen container contained store-bought mushrooms, she suggested it might have been mixed with wild fungi.
“I decided to add the dried mushrooms I bought from the grocery store,” she testified in court.
“Now I believe there may have been foraged varieties included as well.”
Ms. Patterson recounted how she began foraging for mushrooms during a COVID lockdown in 2020.
She also disclosed in court that she had misled her guests regarding the reason for the family gathering.
While dining, Ms. Patterson mentioned that she might undergo treatment for cancer soon, a statement she later retracted.
‘I shouldn’t have lied’
“I was preparing to have gastric bypass surgery, and I remember thinking I didn’t want anyone to know what I was planning to do.
“I felt really embarrassed about it.
“So I thought if they believed I had a significant health issue needing treatment, they might assist me with logistics related to the kids,” she explained to the court.
“I shouldn’t have deceived them,” she added.
The court also learned that Ms. Patterson fabricated medical issues partly to garner sympathy from her estranged husband’s relatives, from whom she felt increasingly distanced.
“I didn’t want their concern for me to diminish, so I kept it up. I shouldn’t have done that,” she expressed in court.
“Did you lie to them?” Mandy inquired. “I did lie to them,” replied the accused, tears in her eyes.
The prosecution asserts that Ms. Patterson concocted the medical troubles to entice the victims to her home for the meal, a claim she denies.
The prosecution concluded its case on Monday, after a month of testimony from witnesses, including family members and medical, forensic, and mushroom specialists.
Beginning on April 29, the trial has drawn significant attention from both Australian and international press, with podcasters, journalists, and documentary makers converging on Morwell, about two hours east of Melbourne, where the proceedings are held.
The daily podcast by Australian state broadcaster ABC covering the trial has become the most popular in the country, while numerous Australian newspapers have maintained live blogs on the case.
The trial, expected to wrap up this month, is ongoing.
