UPDATE: An Australian woman, Erin Patterson, has been found guilty of murdering three family members and is now facing shocking new allegations of attempting to poison her estranged husband. Evidence revealed on August 25, 2024, confirms that Patterson allegedly tried to kill Ian Wilkinson using poisoned meals, including pasta and chicken curry.
In a harrowing case that has captivated Australia, Patterson lured her mother-in-law Gail Patterson, father-in-law Don Patterson, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson to her home in Leongatha—a town located about 135 km (84 miles) southeast of Melbourne—where they consumed toxic Beef Wellington containing death cap mushrooms. This meal resulted in their tragic deaths in July 2023.
A jury found the 50-year-old guilty of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder against Ian Wilkinson, who survived a similar meal at Patterson’s home. The evidence, disclosed after a judge lifted suppression orders, revealed that Patterson had also served her husband meals that made him gravely ill, including a penne bolognese and a sandwich wrap. Reports indicate that Simon Patterson, her estranged husband, chronicled his illnesses in a spreadsheet, fearing they were linked to Erin’s cooking.
“I had the idea I got sick from Erin’s food,” Simon stated, highlighting the dire health consequences he faced, including temporary paralysis and the removal of part of his bowel. Despite this, doctors were unable to determine the cause of his conditions, adding to the mystery surrounding the case.
During the tense trial, evidence presented included a container of vomit brought to the hospital by Don Patterson, who believed he had been poisoned during the ill-fated lunch. The court also examined a computer seized from Erin’s home, which showed searches for various poisons, although this evidence was excluded from the trial.
Justice Christopher Beale ruled the charges against Erin Patterson should be separated into two trials, leading to the dropping of attempted murder charges against Simon Patterson before the first trial. Following her conviction, Justice Beale ordered the release of pre-trial materials, dismissing the defense’s concerns that media attention could jeopardize her appeal rights.
Patterson’s attorney argued that the details surrounding the allegations against her husband were never heard by the jury, maintaining her innocence throughout the proceedings. The court will reconvene on August 25 for a two-day plea hearing, where victim impact statements will be read.
As this shocking case unfolds, Patterson has 28 days to decide on her appeal, although experts suggest it may be unlikely to succeed. The community remains in disbelief as the case continues to unravel, drawing national attention to the disturbing events that transpired in Leongatha.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops and more details emerge from this deeply troubling case.