Australia - 3 dead after eating wild mushrooms, Leongatha, Victoria, Aug 2023 #7 *Arrest*

[drsleuth]

1m ago10.30 AEST

Day two recap​

Here’s a recap of what we heard on day two of Erin Patterson’s trial.

The prosecution has told jurors that Patterson had invited her estranged husband, Simon, and his relatives to her house in July 2023 to discuss “medical issues” she had and how to break the news to her two children.

Nanette Rogers SC, the prosecutor, said Patterson had told them she had cancer, but the prosecution allege she did not have cancer, and concocted the story about medical issues to ensure that the children were not present for the lunch.

The defence told the court it was not in dispute that Patterson had never been diagnosed with cancer. Patterson’s lawyer, Colin Mandy SC, also said she had lied to police about never foraging for mushrooms but denied ever having deliberately sought out death cap mushrooms.

The defence’s case is that the three deaths were a tragedy and a terrible accident. Mandy said the main issue in the case was that Patterson did not deliberately serve poisoned food to her guests.

Erin Patterson trial live updates: mushroom cook’s murder trial continues in Victoria’s supreme court

Victorian woman has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and attempted murder relating to a beef wellington lunch she served at her house in South Gippsland in 2023

www.theguardian.com

 

[drsleuth]

Erin Patterson doesn't have 'high self-esteem', murder trial hears — as it happened

The jury in Erin Patterson's murder trial hears the accused tried to persuade her estranged husband to attend the lunch where four guests ate meals containing death cap mushrooms. Look back on how the hearing unfolded in our live blog.

www.abc.net.au

3m ago

Erin Patterson's estranged husband Simon arrives at court​

By Judd Boaz​

Simon Patterson has arrived at court.

As we learnt yesterday during the trial, Erin Patterson had invited her estranged husband to also attend the lunch where four people were poisoned.

Ms Patterson had invited Mr Patterson, his parents and his aunt and uncle to her home to discuss a health issue.

Simon Patterson arriving at Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court. (AAP: James Ross)
When he declined the invitation, the prosecution said Ms Patterson had doubled down.

"She emphasised the efforts she had put into preparing the lunch because she'd wanted it to be a special meal and that she may not be able to have 'a lunch like this the again for some time'," senior prosecutor Nanette Rogers said.

"The accused said it was important to her that everyone attended the following day and that she hoped to see Simon there.

"He did not reply."

 

[katydid23]

12.40pm

Children’s meal was not contaminated with death cap mushrooms: Prosecution​

​

The jury has started to hear about Erin Patterson’s movements after the beef Wellington lunch.

On Sunday morning, July 30, 2023, Erin’s son came downstairs and found his mother drinking coffee at the dining table. Erin said she was sick with diarrhoea and that she may not be able to go to church, Rogers said.

That's weird ...if I am suffering from the runs, the last thing I am doing is sitting and drinking coffee.

Her son told Erin she didn’t need to go to his flying lessons that afternoon if she was sick. However, Erin insisted they should go.

Later that morning, Simon Patterson spoke to Erin over the phone about Gail, Don, Ian and Heather feeling unwell. Erin told Simon she had been feeling unwell too.

Around 2.30pm, Erin left her home in Leongatha to drop her son off at his flying lesson.

She was told the other luncheon guests were serious ill but she didn't rush in herself to get checked out?

“They drove without any indication from the accused that she needed to use the toilet,” Rogers said.

CCTV footage showed Erin entering a public toilet at a service station and exiting nine seconds later, the jury was told. When they arrived, the lesson was cancelled due to poor weather. Erin drove back without needing to use the toilet.

That night, they ate a dinner of mashed potatoes, beans, and meat around 5.30pm. Erin told the children they were leftovers from lunch, Rogers said.

SHE GAVE HER KIDS THE LEFTOVERS AFTER SHE KNEW THE OTHERS WERE IN HOSPITAL?

“The prosecution asserts that the children’s meal was not contaminated with death cap mushrooms,” she said.

Alleged mushroom cook didn’t ingest death caps, ‘no record’ she had cancer, jury told: Trial day one, as it happened

Erin Patterson is facing trial after pleading not guilty over a fatal mushroom lunch. Today, Nanette Rogers, SC, will present the prosecution’s case against Patterson.

www.theage.com.au

 

[katydid23]

Perhaps Erin was afraid that it would be discovered that she didn’t have ovarian cancer?

It’s awfully suspicious that she refused to remain in hospital and receive treatment, not just for herself but why wasn’t she frantic about her children’s health?

I smell a basket of lies… IMO

Oh, and didn’t she say she was given a “protective IV” at the hospital? What happened with that?

I think that's ^^^ the most suspicious thing so far---that she didn't rush her kids in for an examination in case they had the same illness.

They supposedly ate the leftovers a day after the victims did---so they could have been about to get sick, but she had no worries about that ?

 

[Little Jack]

Question- is one of the deceased saying she thought the mismatched plates were odd heresay? If not, why isnt it? Thanks for explaining in advance!

 

[drsleuth]

https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/crime/erin-patterson-first-witnesses-set-to-give-evidence-as-accused-mushroom-cooks-triple-murder-trial-continues-in-victoria/live-coverage/a999d6bf71d47c79d591aa74041f89de

Erin Patterson's estranged husband is set to take the stand in the accused mushroom cook's triple murder trial as the high-profile case continues on Thursday.

 

[drsleuth]

2m ago

Kristian Silva reporting from inside courtroom 4​

By Kristian Silva​

Good morning again from inside courtroom 4 of the Latrobe Valley Law Courts.

The lawyers, jury and Erin Patterson are all here.

Ms Patterson is in the court dock at the back of the room, wearing a solid pink button-shirt today.

First up, a logistical task — giving the jury members their own iPads, where they can view things like trial exhibits and documents.

There's a bit of a set up and instruction process that needs to take place.

Typically, some are struggling a bit with the task.

"It's a lot better, ladies and gentlemen than the old way, where you had a massive folder," Justice Beale jokes.

Erin Patterson doesn't have 'high self-esteem', murder trial hears — as it happened

The jury in Erin Patterson's murder trial hears the accused tried to persuade her estranged husband to attend the lunch where four guests ate meals containing death cap mushrooms. Look back on how the hearing unfolded in our live blog.

www.abc.net.au

 

[tmar]

2m ago

The lunch party arrives at hospital​

​

By Judd Boaz​

At the hospital, a round of tests were conducted on the Pattersons and the Wilkinsons.

Doctors heard reports that they had vomited up to 30 times since the lunch.

Initially, a decision was made to not administer NAC, an antidote to the toxin in the Amantina species of mushroom.

Dr Rogers said this was due to their initially being "not sufficient evidence" that the group had ingested death cap mushrooms.

Don and Gail's lactate levels were elevated, indicating that they were very unwell.

Dr Rogers said the jury would hear later in the trial about lactate levels, and what they meant.

After further consultation four were treated with intravenous fluids, the NAC drug and activated charcoal.

Eventually, all four patients were transferred to the Austin Hospital for further treatment.

During a discussion with a doctor, Don Patterson mentioned he had finished his wife's leftovers during the lunch.

Don and Gail's son Matthew offered to call Erin Patterson and ask where she got the mushrooms for the beef Wellingtons.

Just now

Erin Patterson tells family she's feeling ill​

​

By Judd Boaz​

Reporting by Kristian Silva

The day after the lunch, Erin Patterson told her kids that she was starting to feel sick, Dr Rogers said.

Simon also called her to inform her of the lunch guests' condition.

Ms Patterson told him she also felt unwell, Dr Rogers said.

Dr Rogers said the accused took her children to a flying lesson in Tyabb that afternoon, where Ms Patterson was captured on security footage entering a toilet at a service station — but only stayed inside for nine seconds.

The trip was cut short and the group returned home. Ms Patterson used the toilet at home, Dr Rogers said.

That evening they ate beans, mashed potatoes and meat, which Ms Patterson said was leftovers from the previous lunch.

Erin Patterson's lawyer tells jury mushroom poisoning deaths were 'a terrible accident' — as it happened

A Supreme Court jury hears opening submissions in the trial of Victorian woman Erin Patterson, who is accused of using a poisoned meal to murder three relatives. Look back at how it unfolded on our live blog.

www.abc.net.au

Entering a toilet at a service station: leaving after 9 seconds.
Was this just for show, in case she was watched, her car movements traced?

 

[drsleuth]

2m ago10.55 AEST
Patterson’s estranged husband, Simon, will begin giving evidence today as the prosecution’s first witness.

The pair had an amicable relationship despite their separation in 2015 until November 2022, according to the prosecution.

Until November 2022, Simon had maintained hope the couple would reconcile, the court heard.

Erin Patterson trial day three – as it happened

This blog is now closed

www.theguardian.com

 

[Detechtive]

I'm completely baffled by this case. It's so confusing.

People are saying murderers often forget to plan for the aftermath but bearing in mind how much planning went into this event, that sounds really unlikely.

Such a time consuming and elaborate plan, yet the person who orchestrated it takes the dehydrator to a recycling centre and pays for that in her own name. Why didn't she just hide it somewhere in a remote barn or throw it in a deep lake? Also 'forgets' that she's publicly published comments about owning and using a dehydrator?

She was crafty and manipulative enough to serve herself a totally different meal right in front of everyone on an orange plate without being challenged but abjectly fails to consider any planning for the aftermath? It makes no sense.

The only way I can make it make sense is a) profound mental illness - some sort of psychosis and magical thinking; b) she didn't think anyone would die - if nothing of note was going to happen, she didn't need to cover anything up; c) she lives in an environment where even if several people do die, nobody cares or investigates; d) she no longer cared what became of her and decided to harm / kill people and let the consequences unfold, no anxiety about rest of life in prison etc;

JMO MOO

E) She's arrogant and grandiose perhaps...

It appears she really did care about the aftermath, because she allegedly went to great pains to hide it including allegedly disappearing her phone.

Well if the 4th victim had died would the police have found out about the individual pies and her smaller orange plate?

Great point...

 

[drsleuth]

10.56am

Simon Patterson called as witness in mushroom trial​

​

Simon Patterson has been called as a prosecution witness in the mushroom trial.

He is about to start giving evidence.

Mushroom cook’s husband Simon gives evidence on marriage struggles, plate colour, cancer claims: Trial day two, as it happened

The first witness for the prosecution, Erin Patterson’s estranged husband Simon Patterson, was called to the stand on day two of the mushroom murder trial. Here’s how the day unfolded.

www.theage.com.au

 

[drsleuth]

Key Event
2m ago

Simon Patterson takes the stand​

By Judd Boaz​

Simon Patterson is the first witness in the murder trial of his estranged wife Erin.

Don and Gail Patterson, Simon's parents, died after eating a lunch at Ms Patterson's Leongatha home. His aunt, Heather Wilkinson, also died.

On Wednesday, the court heard Simon and Erin Patterson had separated in 2015, but had maintained an amicable relationship for several years afterwards, going on family trips together with their children.

Simon Patterson is Erin Patterson' estranged husband. (ABC News)
However, towards the end of 2022, their relationship had soured, stemming from a disagreement about child support.

The prosecution told the jury on Wednesday that in 2023, Ms Patterson had changed her children's school without consulting Mr Patterson.

Erin Patterson doesn't have 'high self-esteem', murder trial hears — as it happened

The jury in Erin Patterson's murder trial hears the accused tried to persuade her estranged husband to attend the lunch where four guests ate meals containing death cap mushrooms. Look back on how the hearing unfolded in our live blog.

www.abc.net.au

 

[sripey]

2m ago10.55 AEST
Patterson’s estranged husband, Simon, will begin giving evidence today as the prosecution’s first witness.

The pair had an amicable relationship despite their separation in 2015 until November 2022, according to the prosecution.

Until November 2022, Simon had maintained hope the couple would reconcile, the court heard.

Erin Patterson trial day three – as it happened

This blog is now closed

www.theguardian.com

A huge thank you to @drsleuth for relaying these updates!! It's really the only way I can follow from here in the States, and I really appreciate it. Thanks!!

 

[arrogantcat]

It seems very likely that the children were interviewed, with statements from the prosecution alleging they will show that they didn’t eat the leftovers, that she said she was unwell to them, etc.
How is this evidence likely to be presented? I’m assuming (and hoping) they would not put the kids on the stand!

 

[Detechtive]

It seems very likely that the children were interviewed, with statements from the prosecution alleging they will show that they didn’t eat the leftovers, that she said she was unwell to them, etc.
How is this evidence likely to be presented? I’m assuming (and hoping) they would not put the kids on the stand!

Prerecorded video evidence. They won't be cross examined, I think that means.

 

[drsleuth]

11.03am

Ex-husband starts giving evidence​

​

Simon Husband, Erin Patterson’s former husband, has begun giving evidence.

After he is sworn in, he unbuttons his suit jacket and takes a seat in the witness box.

Prosecutor Nanette Rogers, SC, is asking Simon about his relationship with Erin and how they met in the early 2000s when they worked at Monash City Council.

Erin was an RSPCA representative at the time. Simon was a civil engineer.

“I guess there’s a fairly eclectic group of friends that formed throughout that organisation and Erin and I were both part of it. And then, yeah, slowly we got to know each other and then I guess it started, romantic relationship, and then got married,” Simon said.

Mushroom cook’s husband Simon gives evidence on marriage struggles, plate colour, cancer claims: Trial day two, as it happened

The first witness for the prosecution, Erin Patterson’s estranged husband Simon Patterson, was called to the stand on day two of the mushroom murder trial. Here’s how the day unfolded.

www.theage.com.au

 

[drsleuth]

2m ago

Simon Patterson begins his testimony​

By Kristian Silva​

Simon Patterson is in the witness box, where he takes the oath before giving his evidence.

Mr Patterson confirms he is still married to Erin Patterson, and says they first met in the early 2000s.

"We both worked for the Monash City Council in Melbourne," he begins.

Mr Patterson says he was a civil engineer, while Erin was in the local laws department.

He says they slowly got to know each other before starting a romantic relationship, getting married on June 2, 2007.

Ms Patterson, in the back of the court dock, is listening intently.

Erin Patterson doesn't have 'high self-esteem', murder trial hears — as it happened

The jury in Erin Patterson's murder trial hears the accused tried to persuade her estranged husband to attend the lunch where four guests ate meals containing death cap mushrooms. Look back on how the hearing unfolded in our live blog.

www.abc.net.au

 

[tmar]

I think, from yesterday, the fact the Police were not able to have EP's phone, from the day of the meal, is important.
Was it hidden. destroyed?
Did it have important info she wanted to hide?

 

[Detechtive]

Simon tells the court about his family
Simon has told the court about his parents, Don and Gail Patterson.
They married in 1973 and had four children.
Don was a high school teacher and retired in the early 2000s, while Gail was a stay-at-home mum when he was young but later did administrative at a high school and volunteer work.
Heather was Gail’s younger sister and was married to Ian, he said.
They also had four children.
Simon said Heather, like his mum, was a stay-at-home mum but also helped out at the school as a teacher’s aide and helping people with English speaking.
Ian was a church pastor since 1999 at Korumburra Baptist Church.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/truecrimeaustralia/the-mushroom-cook/inside-the-courtroom-mushroom-cook-erin-patterson-faces-court-for-day-3-of-murder-trial/live-coverage/40468f819264499f33fcf34f1e0cec7b

 

[drsleuth]

3m ago11.11 AEST
The jurors are being shown a diagram of the Patterson and Wilkinson families.

It shows that Simon’s aunt, Heather Wilkinson, married Ian Wilkinson.

Here’s a diagram showing the key players in the trial:

Erin Patterson's family tree. Illustration: Guardian Design

Erin Patterson trial day three – as it happened

This blog is now closed

www.theguardian.com