The trial has begun of 'mushroom murderer' Erin Patterson for three counts of murder and one attempted after she allegedly fed her family a meal containing death cap mushrooms.

Morwell

Erin Patterson has appeared in court as her triple murder trial commences. She faces charges of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, related to an incident at her home in Lee and Gaffer, Victoria. Patterson is accused of preparing a meal containing deadly death cap mushrooms that resulted in the deaths of her ex-in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson. Heather's husband, Pastor Ian Wilkinson, survived following extensive hospital treatment.

The jury was informed that the prosecution decided to drop three additional attempted murder charges against Erin's ex-husband, Simon Patterson. No explanation was provided by the prosecution for this decision, but Justice Christopher Beale instructed the jury to disregard these discontinued charges. There are fifteen jurors selected for the trial, three of whom serve as reserves, ensuring that twelve will be present to deliver a verdict.

This trial has drawn significant attention across Australia and globally, with many closely watching proceedings in Morwell. Insight into the evidence and testimonies will be revealed over the course of the next six weeks as the trial unfolds.



Trial begins of alleged 'mushroom murderer'

in the dock on the opening day of her triple murder trial. Erin Patterson came face to face with the everyday Victorians who will decide whether she is guilty or not guilty of deliberately killing her former in-laws. The 50-year-old is charged with three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder over a lunch at her Lee and Gaffer home in July 2023. She's accused of serving up a meal laced with lethal death cap mushrooms which killed her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson along with Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson. Heather's husband, Pastor Ian Wilkinson, survived after weeks of treatment in hospital. The jury was told a further three attempted murder charges relating to Erin's ex-husband Simon Patterson have been discontinued by the prosecution. There was no explanation given to the jury as to why the Crown made the decision. Those charges have been discontinued by the Director of Public Prosecutions, so in other words, those charges have been dropped and you must put them out of your mind, Justice Christopher Beale told the jury. Fifteen people have been selected to sit on the jury, including three reserves in case of unexpected illness or other unforeseen circumstances. They will all listen to the evidence presented in court over the next six weeks, but ultimately only twelve will be required to return a verdict. In a case which has captivated the country and attracted global intrigue, the eyes of the world are now on Morwell for one of the most highly anticipated trials in recent years. Samantha Butler for 10 News First.

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