Erin Patterson murder trial hears death cap mushrooms reported near Leongatha months before deadly lunchBy court reporter Kristian SilvaTopic:Law, Crime and Justice17m ago17 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 4:18amErin Patterson is charged with three counts of murder over the deaths of three relatives. (ABC News: Paul Tyquin)In short:Internationally recognised mushroom expert Tom May has given evidence in Erin Patterson's triple-murder trial.Dr May told the court posts were made on a website reporting death cap mushrooms in the Loch and Outtrim areas in the months before the deadly beef Wellington lunch at the centre of the case.What's next?Dr May is continuing to give evidence in the trial, which is expected to run for several weeks.abc.net.au/news/erin-patterson-death-cap-mushroom-murder-trial-fungi-expert/105285630Link copiedShareShare articleDeath cap mushrooms were reportedly growing near Erin Patterson's town in the months leading up to the fatal July 2023 lunch at her house, the Supreme Court has been told.Ms Patterson has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and attempted murder, with prosecutors alleging the Victorian woman deliberately poisoned four of her relatives with death cap mushrooms in a beef Wellington.The trial of Erin Patterson, who stands accused of using a poisoned meal to murder three relatives, continues.Look back at how Friday's court proceedings unfolded in our live blog.To chart the people, events and evidence in the case, read our Mushroom murder trial explainer.On Tuesday, internationally recognised mushroom expert Tom May took to the witness stand in Ms Patterson's trial.Dr May said sightings of death cap mushrooms were recorded in the Loch and Outtrim areas, near Ms Patterson's home in Leongatha, in April and May 2023 respectively.The posts were made on the iNaturalist.org website, where citizen scientists document observations of animals, plants and fungi.Prosecutors have previously told the court Ms Patterson's phone records suggest she visited Loch on April 28 and Outtrim on May 22.The lunch at the centre of the trial took place on July 29, 2023.Fungi expert Tom May says the death cap species always grows near oak trees. (Supplied)Dr May, a mycologist at the Royal Botanic Gardens, said death cap mushrooms varied in colour but always grew around oak tree varieties.Dr May said the species tended to grow around April and May when there was a reasonable amount of soil moisture and rain."There are certainly some mushrooms that occur in Victoria that are quite similar (in appearance) to the death cap," he said.Death cap mushrooms are also known by their scientific name, Amanita phalloides, and were first reported in Australia in the 1960s.Dr May said they were believed to have been a European species that now grew in places including Australia, New Zealand and the United States.He said academic researchers had concluded that Amanita phalloides did not grow in China.Erin Patterson's trial resumed in Morwell today after having Monday off. (ABC News: Sarah Maunder)Several doctors who have testified in the trial have said Ms Patterson told them mushrooms in the beef Wellington dish were sourced from Woolworths and from an unspecified Chinese or Asian grocer in Melbourne.The mushrooms were part of the beef Wellington main course served up to Ms Patterson's in-laws Don and Gail, as well as Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson and her husband Ian. Medical experts concluded all four suffered from Amanita phalloides poisoning, with Mr Wilkinson the only lunch guest who survived after a long stint in hospital.Prosecutors allege Ms Patterson's meal and food she served her children the following night was not contaminated.Doctor says Erin Patterson looked 'very well'Earlier on Tuesday, several doctors who treated Ms Patterson at the Monash Medical Centre after the lunch said she did not appear to be unwell.Doctor Laura Muldoon, part of the toxicology department, said Ms Patterson was at hospital after reporting symptoms of nausea and diarrhoea."I noted she looked clinically well, she had some chapped lips but otherwise very well. She had normal vital signs," Dr Muldoon said.Stay up to date with the ABC's Mushroom Case Daily podcastPhoto shows An illustration of Erin Patterson with her face inside the shape of a mushroom.The ABC's Mushroom Case Daily podcast brings you all the key updates from court involving accused triple murderer Erin Patterson, and an allegedly poisonous mushroom lunch.Dr Muldoon said there was no evidence Ms Patterson had encountered death cap mushroom poisoning or consumed any other toxins.Another doctor, Varuna Ruggoo, said Ms Patterson's liver functioning tests returned normal results. Also normal was her respiratory rate, blood pressure and temperature, the doctor testified."There was no evidence there was any sort of liver toxicity and she was able to be discharged," Dr Ruggoo said."She appeared clinically well, in a normal mood and affect."The trial continues.Posted 17m ago17 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 4:18am, updated 17m ago17 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 4:19amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)Top Stories'We should all share responsibility': Sussan Ley says of Liberals' election resultLIVEPhoto shows Susan Ley talks while standing behind a lectern. Behind her is an Australian flag.Sussan Ley becomes first woman to lead Liberal PartyTopic:ElectionsPhoto shows Sussan Ley smiles as she walks down a corridor.No matter how he spins it, this is a major capitulation from TrumpAnalysis by Carrington ClarkePhoto shows A close up of Donald Trump's face as he looks over his shoulder with a casual expression.Why the Reserve Bank is wary of rocketing real estate pricesIAnalysis by Ian VerrenderPhoto shows A man walks past two terrace housesGirl in 24/7 care 'so far gone' she may die from sexual exploitationTopic:Child AbusePhoto shows A woman rushing in a hospital corridor.Popular nowNo matter how he spins it, this is a major capitulation from TrumpAnalysis by Carrington ClarkePhoto shows A close up of Donald Trump's face as he looks over his shoulder with a casual expression.Sussan Ley is the new leader of the Liberal Party, Ted O'Brien is deputy LIVEPhoto shows Susan Ley talks while standing behind a lectern. Behind her is an Australian flag.Fungi expert gives evidence on death cap mushrooms at Erin Patterson trialLIVEPhoto shows An image of Erin Patterson.Related topicsCourtsKorumburraLaw, Crime and JusticeLeongathaMorwellTop Stories'We should all share responsibility': Sussan Ley says of Liberals' election resultTopic:Government and PoliticsPhoto shows Susan Ley talks while standing behind a lectern. Behind her is an Australian flag.Sussan Ley becomes first woman to lead Liberal PartyTopic:ElectionsNo matter how he spins it, this is a major capitulation from TrumpAnalysis by Carrington ClarkeWhy the Reserve Bank is wary of rocketing real estate pricesIAnalysis by Ian VerrenderGirl in 24/7 care 'so far gone' she may die from sexual exploitationTopic:Child AbuseJust InNeighbours describe bloody scene after unit block stabbingTopic:Stabbings10m ago10 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 4:26amDeadly mushrooms seen near Erin Patterson's town months before lunch, court hearsTopic:Law, Crime and Justice17m ago17 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 4:19amDo you really need a credit card before applying for a home loan? Topic:Explainer21m ago21 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 4:15amAlan Jones evidence 'contradictory' to indecent assault claims, court toldTopic:Courts13m ago13 minutes agoTue 13 May 2025 at 4:23amMore Just InBack to top