Australian mushroom murderer accused of poisoning husband: police?

Erin Patterson: The “Mushroom Murderer” Behind the Fatal Beef Wellington

Erin Patterson, a home cook based in Victoria, has been convicted of murdering her estranged husband Simon’s parents and aunt by tampering a celebratory beef Wellington lunch with the lethal death cap mushroom. The case, which lasted more than two months, drew podcasters, film crews and true‑crime enthusiasts to the quiet town of Morwell.

Supreme Court Reopens Allegations

On Friday, Supreme Court Justice Christopher Beale declined an application to keep earlier accusations suppressed. The court ruled that the jury was offered enough opportunity for a fair trial despite the hidden details, which revealed Patterson’s attempt to poison her husband three times between 2021 and 2022.

The Three Poisoned Dishes

• Chicken korma curry – a spicy dish said to have been laced with the most lethal mushroom.
• Pasta bolognese – a rich Italian staple reported as a vehicle for poison.
• Vegetable wrap – a vegetarian snack that allegedly contained deadly fungus.

Media Restrictions During the Trial

While Patterson was on trial, the prosecution dropped the charges for the three poisoned dishes. Strict limits prevented media outlets from covering any details, allowing the jury to remain unaware until the courtroom decision.

Next Court Date and Appeal

Patterson will return to court on August 25 for hearings that will determine the length of her sentence. She will have 28 days after sentencing to appeal both her convictions and the penalty imposed.

Jury Verdict and Additional Convictions

The 50‑year‑old was found guilty by a 12‑person jury of the following:

• Murder of Don and Gail Patterson, Simon’s parents.
• Murder of Heather Wilkinson, Simon’s aunt.
• Attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson, Heather’s husband and a well‑known Baptist pastor.

Local and Global Coverage

Newspapers from New York to New Delhi followed every twist of what many now simply call the “mushroom murders.” The case’s notoriety grew as the investigation revealed that the death cap mushroom, which tastes sweet and resembles other edible varieties, can be easily mistaken for harmless fungi.

Erin Patterson’s story, marked by double attempts to poison and a fatal mushroom‑laden lunch, continues to resonate across Australia’s bedding ground and beyond.