Erin Patterson, 50, appeared in court in Melbourne, Australia, in connection with the deaths of three family members after a lunch at her home.
The victims, Gail and Don Patterson, and Heather Wilkinson, died after consuming a beef Wellington allegedly laced with death cap mushrooms.
Ian Wilkinson, Heather's husband, survived the meal and was discharged from the hospital after weeks of treatment.
On July 29, 2023, Patterson hosted a lunch where the three victims consumed a meal that led to their deaths days later.
Authorities allege Patterson intentionally laced the beef Wellington with death cap mushrooms.
Patterson has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and attempted murder.
Her trial is scheduled for later this month.
This is the first public appearance of Patterson since the charges were filed.
The first images of Erin Patterson have been captured since she was charged with murdering and attempting to murder family members with poisonous mushrooms.
Patterson, 50, appeared at the Supreme Court of Victoria on Tuesday for a hearing ahead of her upcoming trial.
The mother of two was ushered into the Melbourne court by security officers just before 10am. She was dressed in a green jumper, black slacks and sandals, and was holding a book.
Patterson’s former in-laws, Gail Patterson, 70, and Don Patterson, 70, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66, all died in hospital days after eating lunch at Patterson’s home in Leongatha, eastern Victoria, on July 29, 2023.
Police allege Patterson cooked and served a beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms after inviting the group over.
Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, 68, was the only guest to survive Patterson’s beef Wellington. He was released from Austin Hospital in September 2023 after weeks of treatment.
Patterson has pleaded not guilty, and her trial is scheduled for later this month.
Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Skip the extension — just come straight here.
We’ve built a fast, permanent tool you can bookmark and use anytime.
Go To Paywall Unblock Tool