Australian Woman Convicted of Triple Murder After Serving Poisonous Mushroom Meal

Edited By: Tendai Zola

A 50-year-old Australian woman has been found guilty of three counts of murder and one of attempted murder after serving a homemade meal containing poisonous mushrooms to members of her extended family. The verdict was delivered by a jury in Morwell, a rural town in southeastern Australia, following a high-profile trial that lasted more than two months.

Erin Patterson was accused of deliberately preparing and serving a traditional English beef Wellington dish containing death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides)—one of the most toxic species known—during a family lunch at her home on July 29, 2023.

Her guests included Don and Gail Patterson, the parents of her estranged husband Simon, along with his aunt and uncle, Heather and Ian Wilkinson. Simon Patterson had declined the invitation, citing ongoing tensions between the two over personal matters. Of the four guests, only Ian Wilkinson survived, after spending weeks in intensive care.

The victims reportedly began experiencing severe symptoms shortly after the meal, and three of them passed away within a week. According to medical experts who testified at the trial, the level of toxicity was such that “survival was virtually impossible.”

The prosecution argued that the poisoning was premeditated. Investigators found a food dehydrator in a nearby landfill containing traces of the deadly fungus. Patterson initially denied owning such a device, later admitting to lying out of fear of being blamed.

Further suspicions were raised when Patterson allegedly told her guests during the meal that she had cancer and was seeking advice on how to inform her children—despite no medical records supporting such a diagnosis. Prosecutors suggested this may have been a tactic to draw sympathy and ensure attendance at the gathering.

During the trial, Patterson maintained her innocence, describing the event as a “horrible accident.” Her defense lawyer, Colin Mandy, emphasized that there was no intent to harm, stating: “She didn’t do this deliberately. She didn’t do this knowingly.”

The case has attracted intense national and international media coverage, fueled in part by the unusual nature of the crime and Patterson’s reported interest in true crime cases. Friends described her as a devoted mother and active community member who edited the local village newsletter. She was also reportedly active in a Facebook group dedicated to discussing high-profile murder cases.

Heather Wilkinson had described the meal as “delicious” before falling ill, and the presence of the mushrooms—known for their deceptively mild taste—remains a central point of contention. Experts testified extensively on toxicology, forensics, and mycology throughout the proceedings.

Erin Patterson’s sentence will be determined at a later date. The case has sparked broader public discussions in Australia about food safety, criminal intent, and the legal standards for proving premeditation in homicide trials.