Woman Accused of Serving Poisonous Mushrooms to Ex-Husband’s Family Pleads Not Guilty to Murders
Patterson is accused of serving her in-laws poisonous mushrooms in July 2023
Jason Edwards/Newspix via Getty
Erin PattersonAn Australian woman suspected of serving poisonous mushrooms to her ex-husband’s family has reportedly pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder.
According to AP News, Erin Patterson, 49, appeared in Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court by video link from a Melbourne prison.
Per NBC News, Patterson had invited her ex-husband’s parents, Don and Gail Patterson, 70, for lunch at her house in July 2023. She had also invited Gail’s sister and brother-in-law, Heather Wilkinson, 66, and Ian Wilkinson, 68.
While Don, Gail and Heather died within days after being hospitalized, Ian recovered weeks later.
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Erin PattersonPatterson is also suspected of attempting to murder her ex-husband, Simon - who reportedly didn’t accept the invite - at the lunch, as well as on three separate occasions in 2021 and 2022.
PEOPLE previously reported that she denied any wrongdoing at the time.
“I’m devastated. I loved them. I can’t believe that this has happened and I’m so sorry,” Patterson said per another report from AP News.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas also noted in a press conference, shared by 9 News Australia at the time, that two children were also at the lunch but did not become sick. Thomas explained that the police believed they had been given different food to those who had died.
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Patterson was then arrested following a police search at her home in Leongatha, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
“She was remanded in custody to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning,” police said in a statement at the time.
“Over the last three months, this investigation has been subjected to incredibly intense levels of public scrutiny and curiosity I cannot think of another investigation that has generated this level of media and public interest, not only here in Victoria but also nationally and internationally,” Detective Inspector Dean Thomas explained in a press statement when the charges against Patterson were announced.
“I think it is particularly important that we keep in mind that at the heart of this, three people have lost their lives,” he added. “These are three people who by all accounts were much beloved in their communities and are greatly missed by their loved ones.”
According to NBC News, the next hearing for Patterson’s case will take place on May 23 after being fas-tracked to Victoria state's Supreme Court.
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