The courtroom in Morwell, Victoria, is filled with tension as Erin Patterson, 50, faces a murder trial that has gripped the nation.
Accused of killing her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, as well as Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, the case centers around a deadly lunch that was later discovered to contain poisonous death cap mushrooms.
The trial, now well underway, is providing shocking revelations, including testimony from Patterson’s son and daughter that adds a deeply emotional layer to the case.
Son Shares Memories of His Mother’s Mushroom Passion
Erin Patterson’s son, now 16, revealed to police that his mother had a deep fondness for mushrooms, although both he and his sister disliked them. At the time of the incident, he was just 14.
He shared that he found mushrooms to be “squishy” and “mushy,” and he had never gone foraging for them.
He recalled that his mother had once taken a picture of a mushroom and mentioned her enjoyment of them.
The boy also described how Erin would cook mushrooms in pasta, though both he and his sister avoided eating them.
However, he confirmed that he wasn’t aware of his mother’s use of a dehydrator or her mushroom foraging activities, further adding to the mystery surrounding the deadly meal.
Heartbreaking Video Testimony About Family Struggles
In a heart-wrenching moment, Erin Patterson’s son described the emotional struggles within the family.
During his recorded testimony, the then-14-year-old explained that his father, Simon Patterson, had done “a lot of things to hurt mum,” mentioning how his parents’ strained relationship affected their family dynamic.
He spoke about how Simon would often interfere with school activities and make decisions without consulting Erin, further deepening the rift between the two.
As the video played for the jury, Erin Patterson was visibly upset, her emotions spilling over as she heard her son speak about the difficult times leading up to the tragic lunch.
The son also shared his observations about his mother’s health before and after the meal, adding to the complexity of the case.
Erin’s Health Battle Following the Tragic Lunch
The jury was also informed about Erin Patterson’s health on the day after the fatal lunch.
Her son described how his mother, though ill, insisted he attend a flying lesson scheduled for the afternoon.
The boy explained that Erin had told him she felt “a bit sick” and had experienced some “diarrhoea” but still encouraged him to go.
They had planned to attend church later that day, but Erin, concerned about spreading illness, chose to stay home.
On their way to the flying lesson, the son said that Erin was quieter than usual, which was unusual for her, as she was typically more lively.
He mentioned how she downplayed her illness, but her symptoms were clear.
Despite not feeling well, Erin drove her son to the flying lesson, only to turn back after it was cancelled due to weather.
The Aftermath: The Mysterious Leftover Meal
Later that evening, Erin served a meal to her children using leftovers from the deadly lunch.
Her son described the meat as “very soft” and “easy to cut,” which he thought was beef eye fillet.
He recalled that there was no gravy or extra seasoning, just the meat and mashed potatoes.
Despite her previous claims, the boy had no idea how his mother had prepared the meal or what exactly went into it.
The boy was also unaware of the mushroom’s deadly presence in the meal, noting that he didn’t feel ill after eating it.
Erin later told him that her in-laws had been feeling unwell, which led her to suspect the lunch could have been the cause, though he was not affected.
Son’s Last Moments With His Grandfather
In another emotionally charged moment, Erin Patterson’s son recalled the last time he spoke to his grandfather, Don Patterson, before his tragic death.
He remembered talking to Don about his love for flying, showing him his aviation textbook.
The boy also recalled seeing Don and other family members happily eating fruit at the gathering before the fatal lunch.
Despite the tension in the family, there was no clear sign of trouble during this final interaction with his grandfather.
The Impact of the Trial on Erin Patterson
As the trial continues, Erin Patterson has been confronted with devastating evidence, including her daughter’s emotional testimony.
In a recorded interview played to the jury, her daughter, now 11, described Erin as a “good cook” and mentioned how they often cooked together.
However, the young girl admitted that she disliked mushrooms and had never seen her mother pick wild mushrooms.
Despite the emotional weight of the trial, Erin Patterson continues to maintain her composure, though moments of distress have been evident as she listens to the heartbreaking recollections of her children.
The New Evidence and Ongoing Trial
As the trial enters its final days, more video interviews from Erin Patterson’s children will be shown to the jury, further shedding light on the family dynamics and the events leading up to the tragic lunch.
The trial has revealed crucial details, such as the discovery that Erin Patterson had visited areas known for the presence of death cap mushrooms, raising questions about how and why she used them in her cooking.
The health department has since declared that the death cap poisoning was “isolated” to Patterson’s lunch, with no evidence found linking her to the mushrooms through other means.
Medical professionals have testified about the horrific symptoms the victims endured, painting a chilling picture of the tragedy that unfolded.