Erin Patterson: Accused triple mushroom murderer fronts Supreme Court

Tara Cosoleto
AAP
Erin Patterson has faced the Supreme Court for the first time charged with three murders. (HANDOUT/Nine News)
Erin Patterson has faced the Supreme Court for the first time charged with three murders. (HANDOUT/Nine News) Credit: AAP

Accused mushroom killer Erin Patterson has faced the Supreme Court for the first time for a brief hearing.

Patterson, 49, is charged with the murder of her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, 66.

All three died in hospital days after consuming an allegedly deadly mushroom meal at Patterson’s Leongatha home, in South Gippsland, on July 29, 2023.

Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

Email Us
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

She is also accused of the attempted murder of her ex-husband Simon at the lunch, and on three occasions dating back to 2021, as well as the attempted murder of Ms Wilkinson’s husband Ian, 68.

Mr Wilkinson spent almost two months being treated in the Austin Hospital, including in a coma.

Patterson pleaded not guilty to the three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder in the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court on May 7.

Her case was fast-tracked to the Supreme Court in Melbourne, where she appeared via video link on Thursday for a directions hearing.

The contents of the hearing cannot be reported due to legal reasons.

Patterson, who is represented by barrister Colin Mandy SC, will return to the Supreme Court in August for a further hearing.

Latest Edition

The front page of The Nightly for 26-07-2024

Latest Edition

Edition Edition 26 July 202426 July 2024

Peter Dutton on public perception, being bald and why he can win the next election.