Erin Patterson mushroom poisoning case: Woman said 'delicious' before dying

Australian woman accused of triple mushroom murder after deadly beef Wellington meal.

Erin Patterson arrives at her home in Leongatha, Victoria, on August 8, 2023. Photo by Jason Edwards/Newspix

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

A hospital doctor has revealed in court that one of the victims in the Erin Patterson mushroom poisoning case described the meal as “delicious” before succumbing to its effects. Patterson, a 50-year-old woman from Leongatha in Victoria, Australia, is currently standing trial for the alleged murder of three family members and the attempted murder of a fourth, after serving them a beef Wellington suspected of being laced with death cap mushrooms.

The chilling testimony came from Dr. Christopher Webster, who treated victims Heather and Ian Wilkinson shortly after they were rushed to hospital with severe symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea. Heather Wilkinson, the aunt of Patterson’s estranged husband, reportedly told Webster that the beef Wellington tasted “delicious” before her condition rapidly deteriorated.

A family lunch turns fatal

The alleged poisoning occurred following a family lunch at Patterson’s home in the quiet farming village of Leongatha in Victoria. Each guest was served an individually prepared beef Wellington, according to court evidence. Four people ate the meal: Don and Gail Patterson—Erin's former in-laws—and Heather and Ian Wilkinson, her estranged husband's aunt and uncle.

Within days of the meal, Don, Gail, and Heather had died. Ian Wilkinson, a local pastor, survived after undergoing intensive hospital treatment for several weeks.

Patterson, who has pleaded not guilty to all charges, is also accused of attempting to murder Ian Wilkinson, who was initially treated at the same hospital but later transferred to another facility for acute care. The court heard that when the Wilkinsons first arrived at the hospital, they were “conscious,” “alert,” and able to communicate freely, although visibly unwell.

Initial misdiagnosis and mushroom suspicions

Dr. Webster initially suspected standard food poisoning, perhaps from poorly handled meat. However, suspicions quickly shifted when another hospital reported two additional guests with similar symptoms and a likely death cap mushroom poisoning diagnosis. The highly toxic fungi are often fatal if consumed, and their resemblance to edible varieties makes them especially dangerous.

The Erin Patterson mushroom poisoning case has drawn national attention due to its shocking details and the involvement of a close-knit family. According to court testimony, Erin’s estranged husband, Simon Patterson, was invited to the lunch but declined. Prosecutors argue that this decision may have saved his life.

Accusations, defense, and medical response

Webster told the court he was surprised when Patterson herself came to the hospital two days after the meal, only to leave just five minutes later against medical advice. She later returned, telling the doctor that her children had eaten parts of the same meal but avoided the mushrooms and pastry.

“I was surprised,” said Webster. “I told her: ‘They can be scared and alive or dead.’”

Matthew Patterson, another son of Don and Gail, also testified. He said he had contacted Erin Patterson after the deaths to ask about the source of the mushrooms. Patterson allegedly responded that she bought some mushrooms at “a Chinese shop,” though she couldn’t remember which one. Matthew noted that he had always thought of Patterson as a loving mother and believed she had a good relationship with his parents.

A deliberate act or tragic accident?

Prosecutors allege that Patterson deliberately poisoned the meal and was careful to ensure neither she nor her children consumed the deadly mushrooms. They claim she laced the beef Wellington with death cap mushrooms and served it knowing the risk.

Her defense team argues otherwise, insisting the incident was a “terrible accident.” According to her lawyers, Patterson ate the same meal and did not fall as severely ill as the others, which they argue undercuts the accusation of intentional poisoning.

The motive behind the alleged act remains unclear, though the prosecution may point to tensions within the extended family or possible disputes related to the ongoing separation between Erin and her husband Simon.

Community reaction and trial details

The small rural community of Leongatha has been left stunned by the events. Locals describe the Patterson and Wilkinson families as long-standing members of the community, well-respected and active in church and volunteer work.

While mushroom poisonings are rare in Australia, they are not unheard of. Death cap mushrooms, which typically grow near oak trees, are particularly dangerous and often misidentified by foragers. They contain amatoxins that can destroy the liver and kidneys in a matter of days.

Patterson’s trial is expected to last at least six weeks, with dozens of witnesses likely to testify. The case is being closely followed by the media, not only for its dramatic and deeply personal nature but also due to the broader public health concerns it raises.

The focus on food safety and legal precedent

Food safety experts have warned the public not to forage for wild mushrooms unless they are highly experienced. Authorities have also reiterated that even a small amount of death cap mushroom can be fatal and that boiling or cooking does not neutralize the toxins.

If Patterson is found guilty, it could set a legal precedent in Australia for how such poisonings are prosecuted, especially in cases where intent is difficult to prove. The court will have to determine whether her actions amounted to premeditated murder or a reckless but unintentional act.

Victims remembered

As the court proceedings continue, families of the victims are left grieving. Don and Gail Patterson were reportedly active members of their church and local community. Heather Wilkinson, described as generous and kind, had worked with her husband Ian in various charitable efforts.

Ian Wilkinson, who miraculously survived, has not yet publicly commented on the trial. His health continues to improve after enduring weeks of life-threatening illness.

The Erin Patterson mushroom poisoning case remains one of the most disturbing criminal proceedings in recent Australian memory, with the courtroom testimony painting a grim picture of how a seemingly simple family meal turned deadly. As more evidence emerges, the nation watches closely to see whether justice will be served.