Erin Patterson charged with murder over suspected mushroom poisoning deaths in Victoria

Erin Patterson, the woman at the centre of the mushroom lunch that left three people dead and a fourth fighting for his life, has been charged with murder.

Patterson was on Thursday charged with murdering Gail and Don Patterson, both 70, and her sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66, at lunch in her home in the rural Australian town of Leongatha on 29 July.

As well as the three murder charges, she was also charged with five counts of attempted murder.

Gail and Don Patterson and Wilkinson died in hospital after eating beef wellington at lunch. Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, is still recovering after spending almost two months in hospital receiving treatment.

Patterson has been remanded in custody to appear at Morwell magistrates court on Friday morning.

Police will allege the murder charges and two attempted murder charges relate to an incident on 29 July when four people were taken to hospital after they fell ill after a meal at a private residence in Victoria’s south-east.

The further three attempted murder charges relate to three separate incidents in Victoria between 2021 and 2022.

Police will allege a 48-year-old Korumburra man became ill after meals on these dates.

Patterson has previously said she was “devastated to think that these mushrooms may have contributed to the illness suffered by my loved ones”, according to the ABC.

She said she had “no reason to hurt these people, whom I loved”.

Patterson confirmed the meal in question was a beef wellington pie.

On Thursday morning, Victoria police confirmed homicide squad detectives had arrested Patterson.

Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said the investigation had been incredibly complex.

“Over the last three months, this investigation has been subjected to incredibly intense levels of public scrutiny and curiosity. I cannot think of another investigation that has generated this level of media and public interest, not only here in Victoria but also nationally and internationally,” he said.

“I think it is particularly important that we keep in mind that at the heart of this, three people have lost their lives. These are three people who by all accounts were much beloved in their communities and are greatly missed by their loved ones.”