In one of Australia’s most disturbing and high-profile trials, Erin Patterson, 50, has been found guilty of murdering three of her former in-laws. Attempting to murder a fourth by serving them a Beef Wellington dish laced with deadly death cap mushrooms.
Guilty Verdict in Chilling Mushroom Poisoning Case
The verdict was delivered on July 7, 2025, at Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court in Morwell, Victoria. Erin Patterson was convicted of murdering her estranged husband, Simon Patterson’s parents, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66. She was also found guilty of the attempted murder of Heather’s husband, Pastor Ian Wilkinson, who survived but was hospitalized for weeks.
The incident dates back to July 2023, when the family gathered for lunch at Erin’s home in Leongatha. She served a Beef Wellington that prosecutors later revealed was contaminated with death cap mushrooms, one of the deadliest fungi known.
How the Beef Wellington Murder Case Unfolded
Erin initially denied owning a food dehydrator suspected to have been used in preparing the toxic mushrooms. However, police recovered the dehydrator from a landfill, with Erin’s fingerprints and traces of the toxic mushrooms confirmed by forensic experts.
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Photos of Erin’s dining room and food leftovers were shown in court, and the testimony of the surviving victim, Ian Wilkinson, provided chilling details. He revealed Erin served herself the meal on a different colored plate. Showed no symptoms of poisoning, later claiming she only felt ill from eating too much cake.
The scientific evidence was damning. Traces of amanitin, the toxin found in death cap mushrooms, were identified in the leftover Beef Wellington. A leading plant virology expert testified that the toxin levels were consistent with intentional use.
Investigation and Reactions
Victoria Police’s Homicide Squad, which had been working the case since 2023, expressed their respect for the court’s decision and highlighted the tragic loss suffered by the families. Detective Inspector Dean Thomas emphasized the gravity of the case, saying, “Three people have died, and one was seriously injured. Let’s not forget them.”
Patterson also reportedly attempted to poison her ex-husband Simon Patterson on three previous occasions dating back to 2021. Fortunately, he did not attend the fatal lunch that led to the tragic deaths.
Despite her conviction, Patterson maintained her sorrow, telling reporters in earlier interviews, “I loved them. I can’t believe that this has happened and I’m so sorry.”
The Beef Wellington murder case has captivated the world’s attention due to its bizarre and calculated nature. Raising unsettling questions about trust, family, and food safety.
