Australian Woman Convicted of Triple Murder in 'Mushroom Murders' Trial

Last Updated:July 07, 2025, 17:43 IST

The case has drawn comparisons to the infamous Jolly Joseph cyanide murders in India, where a woman allegedly killed six family members over 14 years

Erin Patterson arriving in the back of a prison transport vehicle at Latrobe Valley Magistrate's Court in Morwell, Australia. (AFP file photo)

Erin Patterson, an Australian woman, has been found guilty of murdering her former in-laws and aunt by deliberately poisoning their lunch with deadly mushrooms. The verdict, announced on Monday, marks the end of a high-profile trial that has captured worldwide attention.

The jury of twelve took a week to reach their decision in the case that many have dubbed the “mushroom murders." Patterson, 50, was also found guilty of attempting to murder a fourth guest who survived the poisoning.

The case drew intense media interest both in Australia and internationally, with podcasters, film crews, and true crime fans descending on the rural town of Morwell in Victoria. The trial has been closely followed by newspapers from New York to New Delhi.

On 29 July 2023, Patterson hosted a family lunch at her country home. The guests included Don and Gail Patterson, the parents of her estranged husband Simon, along with Simon’s aunt Heather Wilkinson and her husband Ian, a local Baptist pastor. Simon declined to attend, feeling “uncomfortable."

Made Dish Laced With Death Cap Mushrooms

Patterson prepared a beef Wellington dish, made with expensive cuts of beef and a mushroom duxelles wrapped in pastry. The meal began with prayers and good-natured conversation, and Heather praised the food as “delicious and beautiful."

However, the dish was laced with death cap mushrooms—among the world’s most lethal fungi—producing amatoxin, a deadly poison. Don, Gail, and Heather died within a week due to organ failure.

Patterson insisted throughout the trial that the poisoning was accidental. She claimed she had not deliberately sought out the mushrooms and described the incident as a “terrible accident." Her defence lawyer argued she did not intend to cause harm.

Prosecutors painted a different picture, alleging Patterson deliberately poisoned the meal. She told guests she had cancer to lure them in, but medical records showed no such diagnosis. She also lied about owning a food dehydrator, which was later found at a rubbish tip with traces of the fatal mushrooms.

Investigators found that Patterson had researched death cap mushrooms online a year before the poisoning.

The only survivor, Ian Wilkinson, testified about the meal but could not explain why Patterson had targeted the guests.

The case has drawn comparisons to the infamous Jolly Joseph cyanide murders in India, where a woman allegedly killed six family members over 14 years.

Sentencing is expected to be set soon. Patterson faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. Her lawyers have 28 days to lodge an appeal if they choose.

(With inputs from agencies)

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