Triple Murder Trial: Erin Patterson's Mushroom Defence Unfolds
Accused killer Erin Patterson continues her testimony in her triple murder trial, admitting under questioning some mushrooms in her beef wellington might have been poisonous death caps, while most came from supermarkets and grocers. The 50-year-old mother details her mushroom foraging habits developed during COVID lockdowns and describes testing wild mushrooms by trying small amounts first.
• Developed interest in wild mushrooms during COVID lockdowns while walking with her children
• Gradually became confident identifying certain mushroom varieties and testing them carefully
• Regularly purchased exotic mushrooms from Woolworths, farmers markets and Asian grocers
• Bought a dehydrator in April 2023 primarily to preserve wild mushrooms beyond their short season
• Described her 2015 separation from husband Simon as "amicable" with continued good relations
• Claimed her in-laws Don and Gail continued to treat her as family despite the separation
• Mentioned the Wilkinson family were friendly at church, with Heather making special effort to include her
• Court heard about text from Simon in December 2022 suggesting they could resolve financial issues
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