Australia - 3 dead after eating wild mushrooms, Leongatha, Victoria, Aug 2023 #3

[Kemug]

I really can't believe that someone else snuck into the kitchen and added poison to the meal. If this "story" was set in an English village, a la Agatha Christie, in a row of cottages, it might be possible. But this house is in a semi-rural area. This imaginary poisoner would first need to get to the house - but how? Drive, and park outside the house? Park nearby? Ride a bike, and leave it nearby? Australia isn't full of little sunken lanes to hide cars and bikes in. Walk? But that takes longer, so a longer time to be spotted by somebody. And believe me, a pedestrian outside of the main town area would be very noticeable. Then what about the children? If the children were heading to the movies, presumably with a driver, this anonymous poisoner could easily have been seen. If the children were still at home, then there were 3 people to avoid, not easy. Also, he/she would have had to know about the lunch visitors, and that a proper meal was being cooked. And especially what was being cooked. You can't just rock up with a handful of mushrooms or some sort of poison in a bottle or a packet on the off-chance that you can slip it into the lunch. What if the lunch had been a simple cold collation consisting of sliced cold meat, a green salad, potato salad and pasta salad? Nope, I'm not buying it.

 

[Charlot123]

It's in the public domain now that's for sure. Yes, it's info that could be found if you know where to dig and then dig for it. Could never be used in a prosecution of this case (if EP is ever charged and arrested ) on grounds of total irrelevance. Moo but - Imo any defense would make sure of that and rightly so, jmo. - So the info has no relevance other than the clicks it generates as the public gets to see EP dragged through the mud. This is all Moo.

I don’t know the laws in Australia. In the US, three times is enough to very seriously spoil one’s life. To me, five episodes of DUI, while being totally irrelevant to this case, indicate that the person doesn’t learn from own mistakes. And I am not talking about sober life, this is difficult. But, I assume Australia has Uber and taxicabs?

 

[kittythehare]

Oh I agree. But as EP or someone else apparently said, the in-laws didn't approve of her (or did one of us suggest that? Can't remember now.) But if that was so, then this incident is relevant to that. Not relevant to the deaths of course, but as a student of human nature, I just find it interesting.

Have you got a link for that, please?

 

[JLZ]

I don’t know the laws in Australia. In the US, three times is enough to very seriously spoil one’s life. To me, five episodes of DUI, while being totally irrelevant to this case, indicate that the person doesn’t learn from own mistakes. And I am not talking about sober life, this is difficult. But, I assume Australia has Uber and taxicabs?

The five charges all related to the same incident.

The charges included failing to stop a vehicle after an accident, failing to give a name or address after causing property damage, using an unregistered vehicle on a highway and failing to give her name or address when property was damaged.
She reportedly submitted a breath test within three hours of the crash and posted a blood alcohol reading of 0.14 per cent - more than twice the legal limit - however a sixth charge related to that was struck out.

Mushroom chef crashed car and fled the scene

Erin Patterson, 48, lost her licence for 30 months in 2004 and was fined $1,000 for crashing her vehicle in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Glen Waverley.

www.dailymail.co.uk

It's possible she did learn and has made a responsible person of herself since then.

 

[kittythehare]

The five charges all related to the same incident.

The charges included failing to stop a vehicle after an accident, failing to give a name or address after causing property damage, using an unregistered vehicle on a highway and failing to give her name or address when property was damaged.
She reportedly submitted a breath test within three hours of the crash and posted a blood alcohol reading of 0.14 per cent - more than twice the legal limit - however a sixth charge related to that was struck out.

Mushroom chef crashed car and fled the scene

Erin Patterson, 48, lost her licence for 30 months in 2004 and was fined $1,000 for crashing her vehicle in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Glen Waverley.

www.dailymail.co.uk

It's possible she did learn and has made a responsible person of herself since then.

exactly.

 

[jepop]

I don’t know the laws in Australia. In the US, three times is enough to very seriously spoil one’s life. To me, five episodes of DUI, while being totally irrelevant to this case, indicate that the person doesn’t learn from own mistakes. And I am not talking about sober life, this is difficult. But, I assume Australia has Uber and taxicabs?

What do you mean three and five times - why say that? It is one incident that has been dug up and reported ie one occasion. As far as I know Australia is a modern country so yes ubers and taxis. I'm taking it your question was rhetorical. Moo

 

[Neet_Mc]

(paraphrased)

At least two mycologists from the Royal Botanic Gardens - ones who study the genetic and biochemical make-up of fungi - are working with VICPOL to confirm the toxin.

They have been asked not to discuss the case, as they may be needed to give evidence at a criminal trial.

However, one mycologist who used to work at the Royal Botanic Gardens explained their usual identification process.

She said they could examine fragments of specimens from the meal, or from mushroom samples in the vomit or diarrhoea from the patients at the hospital.
And that the symptoms, and timing of the symptoms, can also narrow down the toxin.
Also, if the police ordered fast-tracking of forensic analysis, the RBG mycologists can help to interpret the analysis results.

So, as predicted, A LOT is going on in the background to ensure that all collected evidence is backed up by irrefutable expert evidence-informed opinion. The engagement of mycologists here is strikingly similar to the engagement of botanists and zoologist in the Baden-Clay case. EP is cooked…possibly as good as one of the beef Wellington mushrooms!
The revelation of EP’s police record of driving infringements and lying, is really just icing on the cake. Paints the picture of someone willing to lie at any cost just to avoid consequences. A pathological liar? Possibly.

 

[Neet_Mc]

I assume it's because their working hypotheses is that their deaths were due to the lunch they had eaten. Erin cooked that lunch.

They may now be widening the scope , particularly if LAB TESTS FOR DC'S WERE NEGATIVE.

they state they are consulting with mycologists so they're still looking at fungi, apparently.

I do wonder whether it was an entirely different substance.

Mycologists will be able to ascertain the species of mushrooms; moreover, they will be able to potentially determine genetically where those mushrooms have come from - if they were infact from the surrounding region or potentially mushrooms sourced from overseas due to subtle genetic difference between populations from different areas.

 

[Ellery84]

Mycologists will be able to ascertain the species of mushrooms; moreover, they will be able to potentially determine genetically where those mushrooms have come from - if they were infact from the surrounding region or potentially mushrooms sourced from overseas due to subtle genetic difference between populations from different areas.

Fabulous! That’s so interesting. Thanks for your comment.

 

[Neet_Mc]

I think it is probable that someone is leaking a little to the media, now and again. Keeping the pressure on.

How else would the media know that RBG mycologists who have been asked to not speak with the media are helping to confirm the use of Death Cap mushrooms in this case.

Probably everything we hear is not a "new development" but is instead information that is able to be leaked to keep the profile of this case in the public eye for a while.

imo

Ofcourse - this pressure is to get EP talking, and fabricate with more material to explain it - creating an even more elaborate story that will just get picked apart.
Smacks of Ristevski case and Borce explaining that cctv footage of him driving in the Macedon vicinity was because he was testing the odometer.

 

[Forest_Wood]

Hospital lab tests don't test for DC. So how could they have been negative? Specialized tests are needed for toxins. Those are not done in the hospital.

Then why was it reported from the very beginning that DC mushrooms were suspected? That was before any specialized tests were completed that we're aware of. They're just bringing the experts in now...

 

[Forest_Wood]

how do you know they weren't? where were they sent?

I can't find the article(s) I thought said they were handed over to child services and put into care, which to me meant removed from the entire family. Poor interpretation on my part.

 

[Forest_Wood]

Have I missed an MSM or official report somewhere that states that they are with strangers?

No you haven't. I interpreted some things I read differently. Thanks for the last last link about her saying the media was at the house where they are at.

 

[SouthAussie]

Mycologists will be able to ascertain the species of mushrooms; moreover, they will be able to potentially determine genetically where those mushrooms have come from - if they were infact from the surrounding region or potentially mushrooms sourced from overseas due to subtle genetic difference between populations from different areas.

Yes, the mycologist who used to work at the RBG said that part of their usual investigations include:

• Macro characters - characters about any retrieved mushrooms from the patients or the meal that are visible to the eye
• Substrate - whether or not the mushrooms were growing on wood or lawn, if they are nearby native or exotic plants
• Examination of microscopic structures of the mushrooms, where possible, to narrow down the genus and possible species

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/police-courts-victoria/homicide-squad-detectives-call-in-mycologists-from-royal-botanic-gardens-to-identify-fatal-fungus-toxin/news-story/e680b131a813ad96b3a80f95538765a8?amp&nk=39012dce8fc314501a47fc1cc53d9421-1693387787

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Erin Patterson, 48, lost her licence for 30 months in 2004 and was fined $1,000 for crashing her vehicle in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Glen Waverley and for subsequent offences, The Australian reported.

Ms Patterson, who was then 29-year-old Erin Trudi Scutter, was convicted of five charges in the Dandenong Magistrates Court on September 7, 2004, the newspaper reported.

The charges included failing to stop a vehicle after an accident, failing to give a name or address after causing property damage, using an unregistered vehicle on a highway and failing to give her name or address when property was damaged.

She reportedly submitted a breath test within three hours of the crash and posted a blood alcohol reading of 0.14 per cent - more than twice the legal limit - however a sixth charge related to that was struck out.

Her lawyer, Bill Doogue, said: 'Our client does not have any comment for you on a drink-driving charge from 19 years ago.'

When asked directly, Ms Patterson said: 'My lawyer has told me not to talk to you.'

Mushroom chef crashed car and fled the scene

Erin Patterson, 48, lost her licence for 30 months in 2004 and was fined $1,000 for crashing her vehicle in the eastern Melbourne suburb of Glen Waverley.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[dalsglen]

Mycologists will be able to ascertain the species of mushrooms; moreover, they will be able to potentially determine genetically where those mushrooms have come from - if they were infact from the surrounding region or potentially mushrooms sourced from overseas due to subtle genetic difference between populations from different areas.

BBM I dunno about you guys but I've watched enough Borders Force to say I wouldn't even risk taking a digestive biscuit into Aus.

 

[jjenny]

Then why was it reported from the very beginning that DC mushrooms were suspected? That was before any specialized tests were completed that we're aware of. They're just bringing the experts in now...

They suspected the DC mushrooms because of the symptoms experienced by the victims.

 

[TootsieFootsie]

Death cap mushroom evolves to survive off native tree species

Notoriously poisonous mushroom can now be found near the base of Garry oak trees

www.vicnews.com

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Mr Patterson, by way of his publicist, suggested final week there could be an opportunity for the shut-knit group to attend a memorial service at the Korumburra Recreation Centre on Thursday.

‘Both had been cherished members of the group, recognized for his or her humility and the optimistic impression they’d on these round them,’ a media launch saying the memorial said.

‘The Patterson household has expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, help, and understanding throughout this difficult time.

‘They have been touched by the numerous reminiscences and tales shared by buddies, acquaintances, and even strangers who had been touched by Don and Gail’s kindness and generosity.’

EXCLUSIVE: Mushroom deaths: Son of beef wellington victims set to break his silence at public memorial - but will Erin Patterson attend? - Gunster News

The son of mushroom victims Don and Gail Patterson is predicted to pay tribute to them throughout a public memorial on Thursday. Civil engineer Simon Patterson has remained in hiding since information of the tragedy broke earlier this month, hiring a publicist to fend off journalists. On...

gunsternews.com

Mr Patterson’s publicist advised the media would be accommodated at the service but will be ‘controlled’.

A central microphone and camera will be set up to record the memorial service and a designated area for media outlets will be established on the day.

‘This area will be positioned to ensure that it does not impede or disrupt attendees’ movements or the solemnity of the event,’ it was advised.

The controlled event gives rise to expectations that Mr Patterson will indeed address the friends and family of his parents.

Son of mushroom victims set to break his silence

The son of mushroom victims Don and Gail Patterson is expected to pay tribute to them during a public memorial on Thursday.

www.dailymail.co.uk

 

[Salah11]

Mr Patterson, by way of his publicist, suggested final week there could be an opportunity for the shut-knit group to attend a memorial service at the Korumburra Recreation Centre on Thursday.

‘Both had been cherished members of the group, recognized for his or her humility and the optimistic impression they’d on these round them,’ a media launch saying the memorial said.

‘The Patterson household has expressed their deep gratitude for the outpouring of love, help, and understanding throughout this difficult time.

‘They have been touched by the numerous reminiscences and tales shared by buddies, acquaintances, and even strangers who had been touched by Don and Gail’s kindness and generosity.’

EXCLUSIVE: Mushroom deaths: Son of beef wellington victims set to break his silence at public memorial - but will Erin Patterson attend? - Gunster News

The son of mushroom victims Don and Gail Patterson is predicted to pay tribute to them throughout a public memorial on Thursday. Civil engineer Simon Patterson has remained in hiding since information of the tragedy broke earlier this month, hiring a publicist to fend off journalists. On...

gunsternews.com

Mr Patterson’s publicist advised the media would be accommodated at the service but will be ‘controlled’.

A central microphone and camera will be set up to record the memorial service and a designated area for media outlets will be established on the day.

‘This area will be positioned to ensure that it does not impede or disrupt attendees’ movements or the solemnity of the event,’ it was advised.

The controlled event gives rise to expectations that Mr Patterson will indeed address the friends and family of his parents.

Son of mushroom victims set to break his silence

The son of mushroom victims Don and Gail Patterson is expected to pay tribute to them during a public memorial on Thursday.

www.dailymail.co.uk

Sorry why on earth do the media need to be there?

It seems like such invasive of privacy when they just want to mourn their loved ones.