What was supposed to be a simple Sunday lunch turned into one of Australia’s most shocking murder trials.
A meal described as “lovely” and “delicious” has become the centerpiece of a courtroom drama involving death cap mushrooms, mysterious illnesses, and an accused host: Erin Patterson.
Now on trial, Patterson is facing allegations of murdering three people and attempting to murder a fourth—all of whom sat at her table that day.
Church Friends Recall the “Lovely” Lunch
Members of the Korumburra Baptist Church were among the first to speak.
Angela Child, the church’s treasurer, told the court she saw Heather and Ian Wilkinson shortly after the fateful meal. Heather reportedly raved about the food, calling it “delicious and beautiful.”
Angela added that neither Heather nor Ian looked sick at the time.
Another church member, Jennifer McPhee, echoed the sentiment.
She remembered teasing Ian about how much he had eaten, reinforcing how normal and pleasant everything seemed—at first.
The Sole Survivor Returns to Court
Ian Wilkinson, the only one to survive the meal, made a quiet return to the courtroom, sitting just meters from Erin Patterson.
The jury had heard his emotional testimony the day before and had excused him—but he chose to return and listen as more evidence unfolded.
Medical experts like Dr. Mark Douglas, who treated Don and Gail Patterson at Dandenong Hospital, told the jury he suspected death cap mushroom poisoning early on but didn’t have enough evidence to justify using the specific antidote.
Ian and Heather Wilkinson had been taken to a different hospital with similar symptoms after eating the same meal.
A New Invitation and A Concerned Daughter
Ruth Allison Dubois, daughter of Ian and Heather Wilkinson, told the court she had only a passing acquaintance with Erin Patterson, even though they attended the same church.
She recalled her mother and Gail Patterson being approached by Erin and invited to the lunch.
Interestingly, Ruth mentioned that the night before, she and her parents shared another meal—no mushrooms included—and nobody fell ill.
When she later saw her parents in hospital, they were more concerned about Erin’s well-being than their own, asking if she was okay or getting medical care.
Tearful Testimony from Erin’s Sister-in-Law
Danielle Romanes, Erin’s sister-in-law and daughter of Don and Gail Patterson, broke down in court while recalling her last conversations with her parents.
They had told her about the lunch invitation and even mentioned how unusual it was that Heather and Ian Wilkinson were invited too.
After the meal, Danielle phoned her mother, who said things went well.
But the next day, she got a distressing message from her brother: her parents had been vomiting and suffering diarrhea since midnight, and Erin herself wasn’t well either.
Danielle also mentioned a prior lunch at Erin’s house earlier in 2023, where her parents ate a pie and felt fine afterward.
She and Erin once shared a close bond, even having babies within days of each other.
The $400,000 Loan Question
During cross-examination, the defence brought up a significant financial detail—a loan of $400,000 that Erin allegedly gave Danielle and her partner in 2011.
Danielle disputed the year but admitted the money was to help with a home purchase.
It was interest-free but adjusted for inflation.
Despite the tragic turn of events, Danielle said there was no animosity between her and Erin.
Erin even stayed in their family’s Signal chat group after separating from her husband, Simon Patterson.
Gruesome Details of the Guests’ Final Moments
The most harrowing part of the trial came when the jury heard medical details about what happened to Don and Gail Patterson, and Heather Wilkinson.
All three died in agony after eating the meal.
Junior doctor Beth Morgan described Don’s condition as rapidly deteriorating.
He was vomiting uncontrollably, dehydrated, and suffering from kidney and liver damage.
His blood chemistry had gone haywire.
Similar symptoms were described for Gail, and both died despite medical intervention.
Pastor Ian Wilkinson, who also ate the meal, survived but had to endure weeks in intensive care.
He testified that he even prayed for Erin Patterson when she claimed to have cancer—a detail that added a twist of irony to the entire case.
Erin Ate from a Different Plate?
In an attempt to sow doubt, the defence team questioned a detail that might seem minor but could have major implications: Erin allegedly ate from a smaller, orange-tan plate, while her guests ate from larger, grey ones.
Was this just a coincidence—or a calculated move?
This small but potentially crucial detail may play a part in how the jury views Erin’s intentions and her own risk in consuming the same meal.
What’s Next in the Trial?
As the trial continues, more witnesses are expected to take the stand, and additional evidence will be presented.
The central question remains: was this a tragic accident involving deadly mushrooms—or something far more sinister?
Stay tuned as the courtroom drama unfolds.