Triple Murder Trial: Australian woman mushroom poisoning trial

The highly publicized triple murder trial of Erin Patterson, accused of killing three members of her ex-husband’s family by serving them poisonous mushrooms, has taken a dramatic turn. On Monday, Patterson, 50, took the stand at an Australian court, marking the first time she has spoken since pleading not guilty to all charges in May last year.

Patterson’s appearance as a defense witness comes as the six-week trial nears its conclusion. She is accused of killing her former parents-in-law, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail Patterson’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66, and attempting to murder Wilkinson’s husband, Ian, 68, after the four consumed a meal at Patterson’s home in Victoria state in July 2023.

A Meal That Turned Deadly

Patterson served meals of beef Wellington, mashed potato, and green beans at her home in the rural town of Leongartha on July 29, 2023. Unbeknownst to her guests, the beef and pastry dish contained death cap mushrooms, also known as amanita phalloides. The next day, all four guests were hospitalized with poisoning, and Ian Wilkinson survived after a liver transplant.

Personal Struggles Revealed

Under questioning from her lawyer, Colin Mandy, Patterson revealed personal battles with low self-esteem, shifting spirituality, the complicated birth of her son, and growing distance from her estranged husband’s family in recent years. “I had felt for some months that my relationship with the wider Patterson family, and particularly Don and Gail, perhaps had a bit more distance or space put between us,” Patterson said. “We saw each other less.”

Prosecution Presents Evidence

The prosecution completed the presentation of its evidence to a jury of 14 people earlier on Monday afternoon. Patterson’s lawyer, Colin Mandy, previously told the Victorian state Supreme Court that the poisoning was accidental. Patterson could face up to 25 years in prison for the attempted murder charge, while murder in the state of Victoria carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The Trial Continues

Patterson is due back on the witness stand on Tuesday as the trial continues. The court will hear more testimony and evidence before the jury delivers its verdict. The outcome of the trial is highly anticipated, and the community remains shocked by the tragic events that unfolded.

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Content originally published by globalnews.ca