Erin Patterson found guilty in ‘mushroom murder’ case that shocked the nation

A jury in Australia has found Erin Patterson, 50, guilty of murdering three of her estranged husband’s relatives and attempting to murder a fourth by serving them a Beef Wellington laced with deadly mushrooms—a case that has gripped the country and drawn international attention.

The incident occurred in July 2023 in the rural town of Leongatha, Victoria, when Patterson invited her former in-laws—Gail and Don Patterson, her estranged husband’s parents—as well as Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson and Heather’s husband Ian, to lunch at her home. The centerpiece of the meal was Beef Wellington, a dish traditionally made with beef and mushroom paste wrapped in pastry. All four guests fell violently ill shortly after eating; Gail, Don, and Heather died within days, while Ian Wilkinson, a local pastor, survived after weeks in a coma.

The nine-week trial, held in Morwell, Victoria, was closely watched across Australia. Prosecutors argued that Patterson had intentionally harvested and added death cap mushrooms—the world’s deadliest variety—to the meal, citing evidence that she had located the mushrooms using a public website and measured out a lethal dose. They also pointed to a food dehydrator found in a landfill near her home, which contained traces of the toxic fungi.


Patterson’s defense maintained that the poisonings were a tragic accident. They argued she had an interest in foraging mushrooms during COVID-19 lockdowns and panicked after realizing the possible consequences of her actions. Patterson claimed she also became ill after the lunch, though she survived, possibly due to eating a smaller portion or vomiting soon after.

Jury’s decision

After nearly two years since the incident and six days of deliberation, the jury unanimously found Patterson guilty on three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. The identities of the jurors and their deliberations remain confidential under Australian law.

Patterson, who has been in custody since her arrest in November 2023, faces a possible life sentence. Sentencing will be scheduled in the coming weeks.

The science: Death cap mushrooms

Death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) are among the most toxic mushrooms in the world. Even a small amount can cause fatal liver and kidney failure. The toxins are not destroyed by cooking, and symptoms—including vomiting and diarrhea—can appear hours after ingestion, often when it’s too late for effective treatment.