Mother Accused of Murders Lured Victims with Fake Cancer Diagnosis

AUAustralia|

Erin Patterson, a 50-year-old mother from Leongatha, Victoria, is on trial for allegedly murdering her estranged husband's parents and aunt by serving them poisonous mushrooms during a lunch she hosted under the guise of discussing her supposed cancer diagnosis. Prosecutors claim that Patterson fabricated the illness to bring her victims together, stating, “The accused said that it was important that the children were not present for the lunch,” according to prosecutor Nanette Rogers.

In July 2023, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Heather Wilkinson, 66, fell seriously ill after consuming a meal that included beef Wellington allegedly laced with death cap mushrooms. While Patterson’s guests succumbed to the poison, Reverend Ian Wilkinson survived but required weeks of hospitalization. The trial has drawn significant media attention, and evidence presented includes a food dehydrator traced to Patterson, found with traces of the toxic mushrooms.

Patterson’s defense attorney, Colin Mandy, argued that the deaths were accidental and that Patterson did not intend to harm her guests. The trial is expected to continue for several weeks, with expert testimonies and additional evidence to be presented.

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AUAustralia

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