Erin Patterson, the Australian woman recently convicted of murdering three of her relatives, allegedly embarked on a sinister campaign to poison her estranged husband over several years, according to court proceedings. This shocking revelation includes claims that she sought to kill him using cookies, pasta, and curry, all reportedly tainted with harmful substances.
During last month’s trial, details emerged about Patterson's alleged actions, which her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, suggested began in 2021 with a meal that left him hospitalized. Although originally charged with multiple counts of attempting to murder Simon, those charges were mysteriously dropped just before the trial began, limiting the information heard in court.
Simon described how several episodes involving meals prepared by Erin resulted in serious health crises, including a coma that almost took his life. As he recounted the tragic death of his family members after a toxic lunch on July 29, 2023, he expressed deep sorrow for the loss and confusion over the legal proceedings that kept certain testimonies from being presented in court.
In pre-trial statements, Simon outlined a series of dangerous incidents attributed to food prepared by his estranged wife, starting with a bad reaction to a Bolognese penne he consumed in November 2021. In interviews, he mentioned that leading up to his estrangement in 2015, he had no reason to suspect Erin of malice.
Medical records showed a dire pattern of illnesses following meals he had that Erin prepared, with friends and family members speculating over possible poisoning. A doctor even advised Simon to maintain a food diary to document his health incidents. Alarmingly, he began to voice fears that his wife was deliberately harming him.
As the trial unfolded, accusations came to light indicating that Patterson had potentially disposed of incriminating evidence and had an unusual interest in toxic mushrooms. Even though many claims were ruled inadmissible in court, circumstantial evidence such as online forum posts and testimonies from family members highlighted Simon's growing concern about his estranged wife's cooking.
Despite her denials, the proceedings have left communities deeply shocked as they grapple with the gravity of the events that transpired. Patterson's sentencing is set for August 25, with ample opportunities for victim impact statements, as the repercussions of the alleged actions continue to resonate.
