Some Charges Dropped in Australia’s Mushroom Lunch Death Case
Prosecutors in Australia have withdrawn several charges against Erin Patterson, the woman accused of serving a poisonous mushroom meal that led to the deaths of three relatives and the hospitalization of a fourth.
The charge alleging she attempted to murder her estranged husband has been dropped. However, she still faces four serious charges—three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
Patterson, 50, has consistently denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty. Her trial is set to begin on Wednesday at the Supreme Court of Victoria.
The alleged poisoning took place in July 2023 in Leongatha, Victoria. Don Patterson (70), Gail Patterson (70), and Heather Wilkinson (66) died in hospital days after the meal. Ian Wilkinson, a 68-year-old Baptist pastor and Heather’s husband, survived after intensive medical treatment.
The trial is being held at a courthouse in Morwell, around 60km (37 miles) from the location of the incident. A jury has been selected and is receiving instructions before the formal opening statements.
Judge Christopher Beale addressed the jury, noting that while they may have heard about the earlier accusations involving Patterson’s husband, they must now disregard them entirely as they are no longer part of the case.
He urged the jury to approach the evidence with clear reasoning: “Use your heads, not your hearts,” he instructed, emphasizing the importance of impartial judgment.
