Authorities accused a woman from Australia of poisoning several family members in a murder plot that killed three. She has pleaded not guilty.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Per a report by People, the alleged poisoning occurred on July 29, 2023, although court proceedings are taking place this month. Erin Patterson, 50, reportedly invited several family members for a meal at her home in Leongatha, Australia. She invited her ex-husband, Simon Patterson, and his parents, Don and Gail Patterson, who were both 70. Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66, and her husband, Ian Wilkinson, 68, also attended. While Patterson asked for Simon's attendance, he never showed up.
Patterson reportedly served up a meal of Beef Wellington to her guests. NBC reports that all four fell ill after eating the food and were hospitalized. During the following few days, three of the family members died. Ian Wilkinson survived, although he spent seven weeks recovering in hospital.
In May 2024, AP News reported that police believe the sick family members all shared symptoms matching poisoning from wild Amanita Phalloides. Per First Nature, these fungi are more commonly known as the Deathcap. It's responsible for over 90% of fungus-related poisoning deaths in Europe.
Patterson Is Charged With Murder And Attempted Murder
Authorities are charging Patterson with three counts of murder. She also faces five counts of attempted murder, which includes the attempted murder of her ex-husband. NBC News also notes that authorities accuse Patterson of trying to kill Simon at the meal and during 'three previous incidents between 2021 and 2022.'
In another report by AP News, the outlet says that Patterson denies any wrongdoing, saying, "I'm devastated. I loved them. I can't believe this happened, and I'm so sorry." She reportedly wrote in a statement that she cooked the beef Wellington alongside mushrooms from a major supermarket chain and dried mushrooms from an Asian grocery store. Patterson alleged that she ate the meal herself and had stomach pains and diarrhea afterward.
According to The Age, Patterson stood before a judge at the Supreme Court of Victoria on Tuesday, April 15. She has entered a not-guilty plea, one which she has maintained since 2023, and her trial is due later this month.
