Patterson, 50, was accused of serving a homemade beef Wellington to her estranged husband’s parents, Don and Gail Patterson (both 70), and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson (66), at her home in Leongatha. Heather Wilkinson’s husband, Reverend Ian Wilkinson, also consumed the meal and fell critically ill but miraculously survived after spending weeks in hospital.
Throughout the lengthy trial, Patterson maintained her innocence, claiming the deaths were a “terrible accident” and that she had mistakenly included poisonous wild mushrooms in the dish, unaware of their lethality. Evidence presented included her alleged lies to police and medical professionals, her disposal of a food dehydrator found with traces of the deadly fungi, and internet searches on her computer. Patterson showed little emotion as the verdicts were read in the packed courtroom.
The “mushroom murders” case has become a focal point of public discussion, with its bizarre and tragic details, the rural setting, and the sheer audacity of the alleged crime. Erin Patterson now faces a potential life sentence. A sentencing date will be set at a later stage.
