Australian woman convicted on all counts in mushroom murders case
Share and Follow


SYDNEY — An Australian woman on Monday was convicted of murdering three elderly relatives of her estranged husband with a meal laced with poisonous mushrooms, in a case that has gripped the country.

Erin Patterson, 50, was charged with the murders of her mother-in-law Gail Patterson, father-in-law Donald Patterson and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, along with the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson, Heather’s husband.

The four gathered at Erin Patterson‘s home in Leongatha, a town of about 6,000 people some 84 miles southeast of Melbourne, where the mother of two served them a meal of individual Beef Wellingtons accompanied by mashed potato and green beans, which were later found to contain death cap mushrooms.

On Monday, the jury in the case found her guilty of all four charges, the court heard in Morwell, a town around two hours east of Melbourne where the trial was being held.

Patterson, who had pleaded not guilty to all charges, saying the deaths were accidental, will be sentenced at a later date.

The 10-week trial attracted huge global interest, with local and international media descending on Court 4 at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court in Morwell, the nearest court to Patterson‘s home where she had requested to be tried, despite being warned of lengthy delays.

State broadcaster ABC’s daily podcast on proceedings was consistently among the most popular in Australia during the trial, while several documentaries on the case are already in production.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Sam Darnold's second act for the ages is in search of its Hollywood ending

Sam Darnold’s Remarkable Comeback: A Hollywood Ending in the Making?

At least Sam Darnold didn’t end up playing board games—at least, not…
Jacksonville woman arrested after allegedly punching trooper during ICE confrontation, Florida AG says

Jacksonville Woman Released from Federal Custody After Allegedly Assaulting State Trooper

A Jacksonville woman, Jennifer Cruz, is facing allegations of assaulting a Florida…
Columbia University anti-Israel group slams new president as 'fascist' over previous encampment bust-up

Columbia University’s New President Faces Backlash: Anti-Israel Group Labels Leadership as ‘Fascist

Columbia University’s newly appointed president, Jennifer Mnookin, is already facing criticism from…
Woman in spooky sweater arrested for plotting Trump assassination

Woman in Halloween Sweater Arrested for Alleged Trump Assassination Plot

A librarian from West Virginia, seen in her mugshot wearing a skeleton-themed…
‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’ Stars Peter Claffey and Tanzyn Crawford Break Down Dunk and Tanselle’s “Absolutely Hilarious” Flirtations: “That’s How Bad I Am With Women”

Peter Claffey and Tanzyn Crawford Delve into Dunk and Tanselle’s Comical Chemistry in ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms’: “That’s How Bad I Am With Women

Among the endearing elements of HBO’s A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms…
Private jet with 8 aboard crashes on takeoff in Maine, FAA says

Tragic Maine Private Jet Crash: FAA Confirms Accident Involving 8 Passengers During Takeoff

A private jet carrying eight individuals crashed during takeoff at Bangor International…
Anti-ICE agitators clash with federal agents at Minneapolis hotel, as agents deploy tear gas, flashbangs

Protesters and Federal Agents Confront Each Other at Minneapolis Hotel, Utilizing Tear Gas and Flashbangs

In Minneapolis, a volatile situation unfolded overnight as authorities arrested multiple individuals…
Leeds woman arrested after interfering with arrest of undocumented immigrant

Leeds Resident Detained for Disrupting Immigration Arrest

LEEDS, Ala. (TRIBUNE) — A routine traffic stop in Leeds took an…