On July 29, 2023, Erin Patterson invited family members to lunch. This seemingly innocent get-together led to the rash of more recent fatalities, as it left several of her guests hospitalized and/or dead. Her estranged husband Simon’s parents Don and Gail Patterson took part. Along was his aunt and uncle, Heather and Ian Wilkinson. At the seated meal, Patterson served melt-in-your-mouth beef Wellington. She ended up telling them later that it was filled with dried mushrooms from an Asian grocery store.
The celebratory lunch took a tragic turn when all four guests began showing gastro-like symptoms soon after the meal. They were later brought to the hospital, where Don Patterson passed away in the long run. Erin Patterson, accompanied by her children, was released from the hospital later that day.
In his exclusive ABC interview with Erin, she explained that she had eaten half a beef Wellington for lunch. Interview by Katrina Cripps, a child protection worker on Columbus Day. She illustrated how by the purpose she had in mind for throwing the gathering—to reconnect with her alienated off-ramps.
“I just wanted to reconnect with them and see them,” – Erin Patterson
Patterson portrayed her marriage to her estranged husband, Simon, as rocky. She described him as “sexist,” “nasty,” “controlling,” and “emotionally abusive,” saying he isolated her from his family.
As the case progressed, sadly both Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson lost their lives to their disease in November of 2023. Ian Wilkinson suffered for weeks on a ventilator before being able to leave the hospital.
In the wake of this terrible luncheon, investigators tested samples from the late Don Patterson and Ian Wilkinson. These tests revealed the presence of amatoxins, highly toxic compounds usually found in specific mushroom species. There investigators discovered compelling evidence—toxins of the same type found in “matter” associated with a food dehydrator. This dehydrator had been dumped by Erin Patterson at a local tip.
The high-profile courtroom proceeding has resulted in pointed orders to jurors seated in the high-profile case by Justice Christopher Beale. He further highlighted the importance of not allowing case arguments to spill outside of the jury box. He cautioned that outside research or advocacy could further bias or influence their thinking.
“I direct you that you must not discuss the case with anybody else other than your fellow jury members in the privacy of the jury room; don’t discuss the case with anybody else.” – Justice Christopher Beale
Justice Beale emphasized and explained the role of jurors, explaining that by being exposed to the opinions of others, jurors may endanger their duties.
“If you did that, you would cease being jurors and you will have turned yourself into investigators and that’s not your role … were you to discuss the case with others who aren’t members of the jury or to do your own research, you would be committing a criminal offence, and jurors have even been sent to jail for breaching those directions.” – Justice Christopher Beale
The tragic circumstances around the lunch have unleashed much howling about food safety and who should be responsible. While authorities are still in the process of investigating, Erin Patterson’s story and testimony are now being examined in detail.