What began as a simple homemade lunch has now become one of Australia’s most talked-about murder trials. Erin Patterson, the woman at the centre of the alleged mushroom poisoning that left three family members dead and another fighting for his life, is currently facing court in Morwell, Victoria.
This week, the court heard gripping testimony from forensic experts and scientists as the prosecution and defence debated how the evidence was collected, tested, and interpreted.
Forensic Scientist Explains How Mushroom Samples Were Handled
Dr. Dimitri Gerostamoulos, the head of forensic science at the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine, detailed the strict protocols his team follows when processing samples.
He spoke about the need for gloves, protective clothing, and oversight during testing.
The jury learned that leftover food samples from the deadly meal were delivered to his lab on August 29, 2023, sealed in two bags.
Dr. Gerostamoulos said they tested the items as received, but defence lawyer Colin Mandy SC challenged the integrity of the evidence.
He pointed out that some samples appeared to come from an outdoor bin, were damp and mixed with rubbish—far from ideal conditions.
Methanol was added to the vials during testing to help identify compounds, including the deadly toxin beta-Amanitin—the poison found in death cap mushrooms.
According to Dr. Gerostamoulos, the toxic substance could have transferred between foods if there was contact.
Police Asked Experts to Look Specifically for Death Cap Mushrooms
Another key witness, Dr. David Lovelock, a diagnostics expert from Plant Health Australia, gave further insight into the investigation.
Back in August 2023, he received several samples taken from Patterson’s Leongatha property.
These included two zip-lock bags of beef Wellington leftovers, a jug of gravy, a food platter, and even debris from a dehydrator that had been dumped at the local tip.
Victoria Police told Dr. Lovelock to test specifically for the presence of death cap mushrooms.
His team used DNA analysis on various mushroom types—ghost mushrooms, button mushrooms, and death caps.
In a major finding, death cap DNA was found in two of the seven dehydrator tubes.
When questioned by the defence, Dr. Lovelock admitted that the material was “mashed up,” distorted from cooking, and that they couldn’t be entirely sure how the items had been handled before arriving at the lab.
Defence Highlights Uncertainty in Sample Conditions
Colin Mandy SC and barrister Sophie Stafford pressed both forensic experts about the reliability of testing contaminated, poorly stored food samples.
Dr. Lovelock agreed that separating the samples was important but not always straightforward given the state they were in.
He also acknowledged that an earlier report hinted at the possible presence of a second mushroom species besides button mushrooms, adding to the mystery of what exactly was served that day.
How the Same Meal Can Kill One Person and Spare Another
In a key moment, prosecutor Sarah Lenthall posed a theoretical question: If two healthy adults ate the same meal laced with death cap mushrooms and only one died, what might happen to the other?
Dr. Gerostamoulos later answered that it’s entirely possible the surviving individual could still suffer serious side effects.
He explained that weight, age, and overall health can all influence how someone responds to the toxin—even if they eat the exact same thing.
There’s also no precise lethal dose for humans, since most data comes from animal studies. People metabolize toxins differently, and some may simply have a better tolerance than others.
The Cookbook That May Have Inspired the Fatal Recipe
During earlier testimony, a surprising piece of evidence emerged: a popular RecipeTin Eats cookbook.
According to child protection worker Katrina Cripps, Patterson said she found the beef Wellington recipe there, wanting to make something “special” for lunch.
She reportedly bought regular chopped mushrooms from Woolworths and dried mushrooms from an Asian grocer—claiming the latter were used to “add flavour.”
However, investigators have been unable to track down the store she mentioned, raising more doubts.
Patterson’s Behavior After the Lunch Under the Microscope
The trial has also touched on Patterson’s actions after the lunch.
The court saw emotional video footage of her children, which reportedly brought Patterson to tears.
She’s been accused of serving the meal that killed her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson.
The only survivor, Pastor Ian Wilkinson—Heather’s husband—spent weeks in intensive care.
Patterson’s estranged husband Simon Patterson was also invited to the meal but didn’t attend.
Adding to suspicion, it was revealed that Patterson ate her portion from a smaller, differently colored plate, while the others used matching grey plates.
Authorities Confirm the Poisoning Was an Isolated Incident
Health officials have confirmed the death cap mushroom poisoning appears to be isolated to Patterson’s lunch.
No broader contamination was found in local food supplies.
Witnesses, including Simon Patterson and Ian Wilkinson, have given emotional testimonies describing the painful symptoms the victims experienced before their deaths.
Medical experts and staff have also recounted how quickly the toxins took hold—and how little could be done to reverse the damage once symptoms began.
What’s Next in the Trial?
As the trial continues, more witnesses are expected to take the stand.
So far, the jury has been presented with a complex web of forensic evidence, emotional family dynamics, and questions about intent.
Patterson maintains her innocence and insists the mushroom mix-up was a tragic accident.
But the prosecution is painting a very different picture—one of a calculated poisoning masked as a family lunch.
The courtroom in Morwell remains the setting for what could become one of Australia’s most unforgettable criminal cases.