Erin Patterson, the alleged perpetrator, is currently on trial for the murders. One such occasion she is accused of poisoning food passed around during a lunch at Korumburra Baptist Church. The crash has taken the life of three people and seriously injured another. As more prevalent and disturbing information about Patterson’s acts leading up to the incident have emerged, the case has drawn widespread media attention. The prosecution alleges that she fabricated an entire narrative of having ovarian cancer. This was in order to stay out of the way of her children when the toxic meal was prepared.
On November 29, 2022 Erin Patterson welcomed her family and friends to what was supposed to be a lovely lunch. The menu included personal beef wellingtons, seedlings docks with steak, mushrooms and enclosed in smooth pastry. However, the lunch took place during a church service, causing confusion over Patterson’s motives. She would go on to allege that she had scraped the mushrooms off of her meal. Her kids, 9 and 14 years old at the time, skipped school due to the stress created by her fake cancer diagnosis.
On the day of the lunch, Patterson was overcome by debilitating diarrhea and had to go to Leongatha Hospital. On her visit, she told Dr. Christopher Webster that some of her children had eaten the leftover food home. This claim gave cause for immediate alarm considering the toxicology of the mushrooms in question.
Moreover, Patterson’s behavior during and following the lunch has been highly suspect. In acting like that, she allegedly panicked and lied to law enforcement. She alleged she was foraging mushrooms and having a food dehydrator, both of which are linked to acquiring the poisonous components. Court evidence later indicated her phone records documented trips to regions known for death cap mushroom locations. This was before the recent tragedy.
The aftermath of the lunch was tragic. Erin’s former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, as well as her aunt Heather Wilkinson, all died from mushroom poisoning. Ian Wilkenson, another guest, did not die but had a near-fatal illness.
Colin Mandy SC, acting for the defence, made many important points throughout the trial. He said that Patterson’s mental state may have affected her behavior as she reacted and responded during this challenging period.
“Three people died because of the food Erin Patterson served that day.” – Colin Mandy SC
The defense contends that Patterson’s actions were motivated by panic and fear, and not malicious intent. They theorize that her made-up cancer tale was to try and shield her children from seeing something so horrible.
Mandy wondered how Patterson would have felt after the fact, when she realized what she had done.
“How did she feel about that … and how might that have impacted on the way she behaved?” – Colin Mandy SC
The trial further explored Patterson’s dynamic with her husband, Simon Patterson. Though they had separated in 2015, Janet and Elizabeth remained on friendly terms until late 2022. This context is important, as it offers a look into Patterson’s state of mind in the days leading up to the tragic lunch.
In the opening statement, prosecutor Nanette Rogers asked the defense a very important question.
“You might be wondering, now, ‘why would the accused do this, what is the motive?’” – Nanette Rogers
Patterson’s truthfulness about the state of her health was challenged even more in court. Even her own attorney conceded it was undisputed that she had never even been diagnosed with cancer. Patterson attempted to play the victim with her guests. Only moments before serving them the meal, she revealed her alleged diagnosis to them.
Each individual beef wellington was plated on four giant grey plates next to mountains of mashed potatoes and green beans. Plus, the evidence overwhelmingly indicates that Erin didn’t eat the same meal accepted by her guests. That means she took specific steps to separate herself from the deadly chow.
When she was in the hospital, she told me she was worried about what she would be able to do about her kids.
“Is this really necessary? They don’t have symptoms, they didn’t eat the mushrooms. I don’t want them to be scared or panicked.” – Erin Patterson
Dr. Christopher Webster’s testimony at the trial helped shed some light on the extreme health risks involved with eating these toxic mushrooms. He explained how patients often exhibit different reactions after exposure to these toxic compounds.
“They can be scared and alive, or dead.” – Dr. Christopher Webster
The court proceedings continue as both sides present their arguments regarding Erin Patterson’s intentions and mental state during this tragic incident. According to the prosecution, she did that with malice. The defense counters her psychological anguish, arguing she wasn’t intending to injure anyone.