Erin Patterson, 50, is on trial in Australia, accused of murdering three of her estranged husband's elderly relatives and attempting to murder another, by serving them a meal allegedly laced with lethal death cap mushrooms in July 2023. She denies the charges, claiming the deaths were a 'terrible accident.' The high-profile case has captivated national and international media attention.
Australian woman accused of 3 mushroom-linked murders breaks down in court
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Erin Patterson, 50, is on trial in Australia, accused of murdering three of her estranged husband's elderly relatives and attempting to murder another, by serving them a meal allegedly laced with lethal death cap mushrooms in July 2023. She denies the charges, claiming the deaths were a 'terrible accident.' The high-profile case has captivated national and international media attention.
Trending- 1 July 2023: Alleged murders occurred at Erin Patterson's home in Leongatha
- 2 April 29: The trial began
- 3 Monday: The prosecution rested its case after a month of evidence
- 4 Monday afternoon: Erin Patterson began her testimony as the first witness for the defense
- 5 Tuesday: Erin Patterson was questioned by her barrister Colin Mandy
- Three deaths and one attempted murder
- Erin Patterson faces a life sentence if found guilty
- Intense national and international media interest in the trial
What: Erin Patterson is accused of murdering three relatives and attempting to murder another by serving them poisonous mushrooms. She testified in her defense, expressing regret over past messages.
When: Alleged murders occurred in July 2023; the trial began on April 29; the prosecution rested its case on Monday; Erin Patterson began her testimony on Monday afternoon and was questioned on Tuesday.
Where: Leongatha, Victoria, Australia (where the alleged murders occurred); Morwell, Victoria, Australia (where the trial is being held).
Why: The prosecution alleges Erin Patterson knowingly served lethal mushrooms; her defense claims it was an accident. The relationship with her estranged husband had deteriorated over child support.
How: Allegedly served Beef Wellington containing lethal death cap mushrooms.