Leongatha, Australia — A woman who passed away after partaking in a Beef Wellington prepared with toxic mushrooms expressed to medical staff that the dish was “delicious,” as her host faces three charges of murder. Erin Patterson, 50, is accused of serving the deadly meal that resulted in the deaths of her estranged husband’s parents and aunt, as well as attempted murder charges related to her husband’s uncle, who survived the incident after extended hospitalization.
During a court hearing in Morwell, southeast of Melbourne, a doctor recounted the harrowing moments when two of the four guests, Heather and Ian Wilkinson, were admitted to the hospital. Both were suffering from severe gastrointestinal symptoms after sharing lunch at Patterson’s home. Initially, the doctor found them to be conscious and communicative, although evidently unwell.
The couple had enjoyed individually prepared portions of Beef Wellington the day prior, prompting the doctor to initially suspect food poisoning related to the meat. When asked about the meal, Heather Wilkinson stated it was delicious, a detail that highlights the deceptive nature of the lethal dish.
Subsequent to the Wilkinsons’ hospital visit, a physician from another facility contacted the doctor to inform him that the other two lunch guests, Don and Gail Patterson—Erin’s in-laws—were also exhibiting symptoms consistent with mushroom poisoning. This alarming update led to the Wilkinsons being transferred for more intensive care, but unfortunately, three of the four guests succumbed to the effects of the poisonous fungi, with Ian Wilkinson being the sole survivor after enduring a lengthy treatment process.
In court, Ian Wilkinson described the meal as comprising steak and mushrooms encased in pastry, emphasizing that Patterson had served each guest individually. He noted she was also eating, although he could not specify her exact consumption.
The trial revealed further details, including that Patterson’s estranged husband had declined the lunch invitation due to discomfort. After the gathering, Patterson herself sought medical attention two days later but left shortly after arriving, countering medical advice. She later claimed her children had consumed the dish without partaking in the mushrooms or pastry, but the attending physician expressed concern over her hesitance to inform them about the potential poisoning.
Witness testimony also included Matthew Patterson, another of Don and Gail’s sons, who clarified that Erin claimed to have purchased some mushrooms from a “Chinese shop,” though she couldn’t specify which one. He characterized her as a devoted mother with a strong bond with his parents.
The prosecution argues that Patterson deliberately poisoned her guests while ensuring that neither she nor her children ingested the toxic ingredients. The defense contends that it was a tragic accident, maintaining that Patterson consumed the same meal without suffering severe consequences.
The trial is expected to span six weeks, as the courtroom grapples with the disturbing details of this case involving death cap mushrooms, a species notorious for causing severe liver and kidney damage. These mushrooms grow abundantly in certain regions of Australia and are easily mistaken for edible varieties. They are responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide, underscoring the dangerous, often hidden risks associated with wild foraging.