Photographs of toxic mushrooms and the infamous beef Wellington involved in the murder trial of Erin Patterson have been made public by the Supreme Court of Victoria. The case, which captivated Australia and beyond, resulted in Patterson being found guilty of murdering three relatives following a family dinner on July 29, 2023. A fourth diner, who survived the meal, was also part of the attempted murder charge.
Evidence presented during the trial indicated that 50-year-old Patterson may have intentionally foraged death cap mushrooms from nearby areas and engaged in efforts to hide her actions by disposing of evidence. The meal led to the deaths of Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Heather Wilkinson, 66, within days of consumption. Simon Patterson, Erin's estranged husband, opted out of the meal, citing discomfort amidst tensions with her.
Post-verdict, the Supreme Court released around 100 pieces of evidence to the public, including images capturing leftover beef Wellington. These leftovers were carefully secured in specimen bags for analysis, as investigators sought traces of the lethal mushrooms. Death cap mushrooms are notoriously recognized as one of the deadliest varieties to humans, known for causing severe poisoning, often resulting in fatalities.
Patterson claimed to have purchased dried mushrooms from a Melbourne grocery store but could not provide any specifics regarding the purchase. Authorities linked the presence of death cap mushrooms to two nearby towns where sightings were reported on the iNaturalist plant database. Remarkably, Patterson’s search history included views of these sightings, and her mobile data suggested she visited both locations before purchasing a food dehydrator.
Forensic investigations uncovered incriminating evidence, including photographs of what appeared to be death cap mushrooms on a scale, while traces of the toxic fungi were found in a food dehydrator that Patterson discarded post-dinner. Despite initially denying ownership of the appliance, police recovered it alongside an instruction manual from her kitchen.
Overall, Patterson’s case raises alarming questions about safety related to wild mushrooms and highlights the tragic consequences that unfolded on that fateful day. The distressing trial and its outcomes continue to resonate within the community and underline the need for awareness around foraging and consuming wild fungi.
