Accused mushroom triple murderer Erin Patterson to face court
Accused triple-murderer Erin Patterson is set to face court, five months after she was charged with serving up a beef Wellington meal allegedly laced with deadly mushrooms.
Ms Patterson was charged in November with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder — four of which relate to her ex-husband Ian Patterson.
Police allege she killed her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, who had all eaten a poisonous meal of beef wellington at her home in Leongatha.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.All three died in hospital days after consuming the meal on July 29.
Ian Wilkinson survived after eating the lunch but spent weeks in hospital fighting for life.
Mr Patterson had been due to attend the final fatal meal but cancelled at the last minute.
Ms Patterson has repeatedly denied she deliberately poisoned those who attended the lunch.
In a statement released in August Ms Patterson said she had also fallen sick.
“I am now devastated to think that these mushrooms may have contributed to the illness suffered by my loved ones,” she wrote.
“I really want to repeat that I had absolutely no reason to hurt these people whom I loved.”
It is understood Ms Patterson has been held in protective care within a maximum security prison for women in Melbourne over serious fears for her safety.
She last appeared in court on November 3, the day after she was arrested and charged.
During that appearance, police sought a 20-week adjournment to analyse electronic devices at Ms Patterson’s home.
Ms Patterson was expected to front LaTrobe Valley Magistrates Court via videolink from the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre on Monday after the expected court appearance on May 3 was vacated.
