MORWELL, AUSTRALIA — July 7, 2025 (AFP):
An Australian woman has been convicted of murdering three family members and attempting to kill a fourth by serving them a meal laced with deadly mushrooms. The verdict concludes a gripping trial that drew global attention and turned the quiet town of Morwell, Victoria, into the center of a true-crime spectacle.

Erin Patterson, 50, was found guilty by a jury on Monday of murdering her ex-husband’s parents and aunt after hosting a seemingly warm family lunch in July 2023. The dish in question was beef Wellington, carefully prepared with a filling that, according to prosecutors, contained death cap mushrooms—the world’s most poisonous fungus.

Throughout the two-month trial, Patterson insisted that the fatal poisoning was accidental. She claimed she had unknowingly used the toxic mushrooms while preparing the meal. However, the jury rejected her defense, also finding her guilty of the attempted murder of a fourth guest who survived.

A Deadly Family Lunch

The tragic meal took place on July 29, 2023, at Patterson’s rural home. Her guests included Don and Gail Patterson—her estranged husband Simon’s elderly parents—as well as Simon’s aunt Heather and Heather’s husband, Pastor Ian Wilkinson. Simon himself did not attend, later saying he felt “uncomfortable.”

What began as a seemingly peaceful family gathering, complete with grace before and after the meal, turned fatal. Don, Gail, and Heather died within a week from acute organ failure. Forensic experts confirmed their symptoms were consistent with amatoxin poisoning, caused by death cap mushrooms.

Ian Wilkinson, the lone survivor, endured weeks in intensive care but ultimately recovered. He testified that Patterson had eaten from a different plate than the guests, though he couldn’t explain why she would target him as well.

A Web of Lies

The case against Patterson revealed a pattern of deception. Prosecutors said she told guests she had been diagnosed with cancer and needed advice on breaking the news to her children—a claim that was proven false. Police argued this was part of a deliberate effort to bring the victims together under false pretenses.

Further investigations uncovered a food dehydrator, which Patterson initially denied owning, discarded at a local rubbish tip. Traces of the fatal mushroom were found inside it. Her internet history also showed searches related to death cap mushrooms in areas close to her home.

“I agree that I lied because I was afraid I would be held responsible,” Patterson admitted during the trial.

The ‘Mushroom Murders’

The shocking case, now dubbed the “mushroom murders,” has fascinated people across the globe. News outlets from New York to New Delhi followed every twist, while true crime podcasters and documentary crews descended on Morwell, a town better known for its gardens than grisly headlines.

Locals described Patterson as a friendly community member—a mother of two, church volunteer, and editor of the village newsletter. She was also known to be an avid true crime fan, reportedly active in online groups discussing notorious Australian murder cases.

A friend, Christine Hunt, described her as a “bit of a super sleuth.”

Deadliest Fungus on Earth

Death cap mushrooms account for the majority of fatal mushroom poisonings worldwide. Easily mistaken for edible varieties, they have a mild, even pleasant flavor, but their toxins cause irreversible liver and kidney failure.

Medical experts who treated the victims said there was little hope once the symptoms began. “It was very apparent that this was not survivable,” testified ICU specialist Dr. Stephen Warrillow.

A Chilling Verdict

Erin Patterson maintained that the poisoning was an accident, but the jury concluded otherwise. Her sentencing is expected in the coming weeks, as Australia comes to terms with one of the most disturbing domestic murder cases in its recent history.

The community, still reeling from the crime, now waits to see what punishment will be handed down for the woman who turned a family lunch into a deadly trap.