The jury in the high-profile murder trial of Erin Patterson has officially retired to consider its verdict, following nearly two months of proceedings and more than 50 witnesses.
Patterson, 50, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one of attempted murder after hosting a family lunch in July 2023 at her home in Leongatha, Victoria, where she allegedly served a beef Wellington laced with deadly death cap mushrooms.
Three of her guests—Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, 66—died after the meal. Heather’s husband, pastor Ian Wilkinson, survived after spending weeks in an induced coma. Patterson’s estranged husband, Simon, had also been invited but did not attend.
Prosecutors allege Patterson intentionally used the toxic mushrooms, then attempted to cover her tracks by lying to authorities, disposing of a food dehydrator, and faking illness. They also claim she falsely told her guests she had cancer to convince them to attend the lunch.
“She has told lies upon lies because she knew the truth would implicate her,” said lead prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC, arguing that Patterson's evolving story was carefully constructed only after police began to suspect foul play.
Despite not presenting a clear motive, the prosecution urged the jury to dismiss the defence’s claim that the incident was a tragic accident involving wild mushrooms.
The defence, however, maintained Patterson’s innocence, insisting she never intended harm and had no motive. Her lawyers argued that the mushroom mix-up was unintentional, possibly due to a combination of store-bought and foraged mushrooms kept in her pantry. They attributed her lack of severe symptoms to bulimia, which led her to vomit shortly after the meal.
“She's not on trial for lying,” said defence lawyer Colin Mandy SC. “This is not a court of moral judgment.”
Justice Christopher Beale, in his final instructions, reminded jurors to focus solely on the facts and cautioned against allowing emotions to influence their decision.
The jury has now been sequestered in supervised accommodation and will remain isolated until a verdict is reached in the case that has captivated both Australia and the wider international public.