liveLive: Erin Patterson's mushroom murder trial over allegedly poisoned lunch beginsBy court reporter Kristian Silva and staffTopic:Courts2h ago2 hours agoTue 29 Apr 2025 at 11:23pmSkip to timelineabc.net.au/news/erin-patterson-mushroom-murder-trial-leongatha-victoria-aus/105230440Link copiedShareShare articleProsecutors are outlining their case against Victorian woman Erin Patterson, who stands accused of using a poisoned meal to murder three relatives.Follow all the updates in our live blog.Key EventsFive plates, five beef Wellingtons24m ago24 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 1:52amProsecution openings begin50m ago50 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 1:26amThe trial begins1h ago1 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 12:58amShow all key eventsLive updatesLatestOldest6m agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 2:09amIllness sets in for group following lunchJBy Judd BoazReporting by Kristian SilvaBack to the fallout from the lunch.Dr Rogers says all four lunch guests were sick the following morning, suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea.All four ended up at local hospitals in Korumburra and Leongatha.The prosecutor said Simon Patterson became aware of the illnesses, and went over to the Wilkinsons' home.Dr Rogers said Heather Wilkinson made some comments, reflecting on the lunch the previous day."Yeah I noticed Erin put her food on a different plate to us. Her plate had different colours on it. I wondered why it was," Ms Wilkinson is alleged to have said.Copy link17m agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 1:59amPatterson belonged to true crime Facebook groupJBy Judd BoazReporting by Kristian SilvaEarlier, Dr Rogers made reference to some of Ms Patterson's online friends, who belonged to a true crime Facebook group dedicated to discussing the Keli Lane murder case.The members branched out and discussed other topics, including news, current affairs and their personal lives.Ms Patterson used her own Facebook page under her real name, but also had other accounts — Erin Erin, and Erin Erin Erin.Dr Rogers then moved on from this topic. No doubt this will pop up again either in her openings or during the evidence.Copy linkKey Event24m agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 1:52amFive plates, five beef WellingtonsJBy Judd BoazReporting by Kristian SilvaDr Rogers moves to the critical event of the trial — the lunch itself.She said Ms Patterson's four guests arrived at her Leongatha home and greeted them at the door.She showed them around the house before the group gathered around the kitchen island bench.The meals prepared were five individual beef Wellingtons, mashed potatoes and green beans."They said grace and started the meal," Dr Rogers said.Dr Rogers said the guests all ate from grey-coloured plates, while Ms Patterson's was a lighter colour, which was described as orange and smaller than the others.The prosecution said Ian and Heather ate all of their serving of beef Wellington, while Don ate all of his serving and half of Gail's.For dessert, they ate a cake brought by Gail and a fruit platter from Heather.Dr Rogers said Ms Patterson dropped a bombshell — that she had cancer.She wanted to know whether to tell her kids or to keep it from them.The group prayed again, the court heard, and the guests headed home later that afternoon.Copy link26m agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 1:50amRelationship between Erin Patterson and estranged husband deterioratesJBy Judd BoazReporting by Kristian SilvaDr Rogers said Ms Patterson's estranged husband, Simon, turned down an invitation to attend the lunch because he felt "too uncomfortable".The court was told the couple's marriage had broken down, with the relationship declining in 2022.The couple had initially had an "amicable" relationship, sharing custody and going on family holidays together, before issues arose straining the relationship. One of the reasons was because Ms Patterson changed the couple's kids' schools without telling her husband.Copy linkKey Event50m agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 1:26amProsecution openings beginJBy Joseph DunstanReporting by Kristian SilvaNanette Rogers SC has been called upon to open the case for the prosecution.She says this case centres on a lunch held at Erin Patterson's home on July 29, 2023.Dr Rogers says Ms Patterson's in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, along with Heather and Ian Wilkinson, attended the lunch.About 11 or 12 hours later they fell sick with severe gastroenteritis, Dr Rogers said.Within days, three of the group died despite the efforts of staff at several hospitals."All four were each diagnosed by treating doctors with amanita mushroom poisoning," Dr Rogers said."What was initially thought to be a mass food poisoning event was investigated by police."Later, Ms Patterson was charged with murder and attempted murder.Copy link1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 1:14amJury instructed on conditions for attempted murderJBy Judd BoazReporting by Kristian SilvaIn a similar vein, there are four elements for the charge of attempted murder.This is the charge that relates to Ian Wilkinson, who fell seriously ill after attending the lunch, but did not die.One key difference from murder though is that the intention must be an intention to kill.For murder, it can be an intention to kill or an intention to cause really serious injury.Copy link1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 1:05amThe jury's checklist for a murder convictionJBy Judd BoazReporting by Kristian SilvaJustice Beale is running the jury through a slideshow which details the technical elements of the charge of murder. At the end of the trial, all of these points will need to be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt for the jury to convict Ms Patterson of the offence.1.The accused caused the deaths by serving a poisoned meal2.The accused's alleged conduct was conscious, voluntary and deliberate3.At the time of the alleged conduct, the accused intended to kill or cause really serious injury4.The accused killed the deceased without lawful justification or excuseEach of these points will need to be considered for each of the murder charges, relating to Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson.Copy linkKey Event1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 12:58amThe trial beginsJBy Judd BoazReporting by Kristian SilvaGood morning from inside courtroom 4 at the Latrobe Valley Law Courts.The jury has just been brought in for the day’s proceedings. Justice Christopher Beale has a few more legal instructions to give the jury, before Nanette Rogers SC begins the prosecution opening.Erin Patterson is in the dock, sitting about two metres behind me. Today she’s wearing a blue and white striped t-shirt.Copy linkKey Event1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 12:45amWho are the key lawyers in the trial?TBy Tim Callanan Erin Patterson's defence is led by barrister Colin Mandy SC.Mr Mandy was admitted to the Bar in 1992 and, according to his Victorian Bar profile, has acted in a number of trial, including murder trials, in most Australian jurisdictions.Colin Mandy SC is leading Erin Patterson's defence. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)Nanette Rogers SC is the senior prosecution barrister for the case.Dr Rogers was appointed Crown Prosecutor in 2013 and has experience in several states as a prosecutor.Nanette Rogers SC will serve as senior prosecutor in the case. (AAP: James Ross)There will be extremely limited opportunities for the public to see the lawyers in action as only a handful of seats will be available in the courtroom.Only a handful of people will be allowed in the coutroom for the trial. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)In addition to members of the public, only six reporters will be allocated seats each day and the rest will watch proceedings from an overflow room.Copy link1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 12:33amA prized seat in the courtroomKBy Kristian SilvaThis case has received immense attention — so much so that there are simply not enough seats for all the journalists, media professionals, family members and public who want to attend.The courtroom in the Latrobe Valley Law Court seats about 45 people.A small number of seats will be reserved for the public, while six seats will be specifically allocated to journalists each day.The case has drawn international media attention. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)Ballots have been drawn to decide which outlets get to sit in the room, leaving the others to watch proceedings via a video link in an overflow room.ABC News was picked for today's ballot, and we'll be hoping to bring you colour from the courtroom where possible.Copy linkKey Event1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 12:23amUpcoming witnesses and locationsKBy Kristian SilvaIt's critical jury members can be impartial, so courts tend to provide a witness list to rule out any conflicts of interest.The transcript revealed that the jury got a glimpse as to who could be giving evidence in the trial, or whose names could come up in the case.The civilian witnesses included Ian Wilkinson and Simon Patterson, along with other relatives.Medical witnesses will be called, as will expert witnesses, police officers, and others.Ian Wilkinson served as minister at the local Baptist church. (ABC News: Michael Lorigan)Jurors were also told to be mindful of any associations they had with the Korumburra Baptist Church and knowledge of a street in the locality of Outtrim."The fact that you may have been in Neilson Street, Outtrim is not of any great moment but if you have any particular information in relation to death cap mushrooms and Neilson Street, Outtrim, then you should ask to be excused," Justice Beale said.Copy link1h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 12:22am'Individual beef Wellingtons'KBy Kristian Silva After court wrapped yesterday, we received a transcript containing information the jury were told while the media was out of the courtroom during the empanelment.Justice Christopher Beale referenced the lunch event Erin Patterson hosted while giving background information."Erin Patterson hosted a lunch in late July 2023 at her home in Leongatha to which she had invited her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, and her in-laws," Justice Beale said."Simon Patterson did not attend but his parents, Don and Gail Patterson, and his aunt and uncle, Heather and Ian Wilkinson, did attend that lunch."The accused served individual beef Wellingtons to her lunch guests; three of whom subsequently died from death cap poisoning.""Ian Wilkinson was the only lunch guests who survived, though he was also gravely ill for a time and the accused denies that she deliberately poisoned anyone."No doubt we will hear more allegations about the lunch when prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC takes to her feet this morning.Copy link2h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 12:13amJury sequester detailsKBy Kristian SilvaYesterday we heard that the jury will be sequestered when they go out to deliberate for the final time in a few weeks.This means the panel will be isolated from the outside world as they decide whether Erin Patterson is guilty or not.Justice Beale outlined how the arrangement would work."At the end of each day during the deliberations, the jurors will not be permitted to go home," he said."Instead, they will be bussed to a hotel at an undisclosed location, where they will stay overnight and be bussed back to the court the next morning to continue their deliberations."Jurors will be supervised by court staff known as jury keepers and will have to surrender their mobile phones. Their families will be provided with an emergency contact number."Whilst staying overnight at the hotel, access to TV, radio and newspapers will also be limited," the judge continued."If the jury needs to be sequestered over a weekend, we may require the jury to deliberate on Saturday but not Sundays. Jurors need a break."Copy linkKey Event2h agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 12:10amWho is Erin Patterson?TBy Tim CallananErin Patterson is a name familiar to people who have followed this case over the past several years, but may not be as well known to others.Ms Patterson, 50, is a resident of Leongatha, about 140 kilometres south-east of Melbourne.She is separated from her husband, Simon Patterson.Erin Patterson has always maintained her innocence in the case. (ABC News.)Ms Patterson is accused of deliberately serving up a poisonous meal containing death cap mushrooms on July 29, 2023 at her home.It is alleged that after consuming the food, her parents-in-law Don and Gail Patterson died, along with Gail Patterson's sister Heather Wilkinson. Ms Wilkinson's husband, Ian, recovered after a long stint in hospital.Ms Patterson has always maintained her innocence of the charges.Copy link2h agoTue 29 Apr 2025 at 11:59pmWATCH: Prosecutors set to outline case against Erin PattersonJBy Judd BoazThe ABC's Kristian Silva is on the ground at Morwell to provide a preview of the upcoming opening arguments.Loading...Copy linkKey Event2h agoTue 29 Apr 2025 at 11:34pmWho were the four people allegedly poisoned at the lunch?JBy Joseph DunstanProsecutors allege Ian and Heather Wilkinson (left) and Don and Gail Patterson were poisoned during a lunch at Erin Patterson's Leongatha home. (Supplied)The four people prosecutors allege were poisoned by Erin Patterson were all from the Gippsland town of Korumburra.Ian Wilkinson, the sole survivor of the alleged mushroom poisoning, has given many years of service to the community as the minister at the local Baptist church.Korumburra has a population of roughly 5,000 people. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)His wife, Heather Wilkinson, taught English as a second language at a local community house.She was popular with her students and helped migrant women who were isolated or in need of assistance.Heather's sister, Gail Patterson, and Gail's husband Don, ran the local Korumburra newspaper, the Burra Flyer.The significant community ties and contributions mean their losses were felt deeply across the rural community.Korumburra and Leongatha sit in Victoria's lush South Gippsland region. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)In 2023, Korumburra's Anglican Reverend Fran Grimes told the ABC the intense public interest in the tragedy had made the grieving process more difficult."It was like it was taken out of the space where we could all love each other and support each other and it was far bigger and out of our control, so it has been difficult," she explained.Copy link2h agoTue 29 Apr 2025 at 11:30pmProsecutors dropped three chargesMBy Mikaela OrtolanOn Tuesday, the jury heard that prosecutors had dropped three attempted murder charges against Erin Patterson.Those charges related to alleged attempts to kill Ms Patterson's estranged husband, Simon Patterson.The jury received instructions from trial judge, Justice Christopher Beale, that the charges had been withdrawn and they should put them out of their minds.On Tuesday Justice Beale told the jury to "use your head, not your heart" to determine whether Ms Patterson was guilty or not."You are the only ones in this court who can make a decision about the facts," he said.Copy linkKey Event2h agoTue 29 Apr 2025 at 11:21pmWhat happens in court today?JBy Joseph DunstanToday we're expecting the jury will hear opening submissions from the prosecution and the defence.The hearing is due to begin about 10:30am.It's a chance for both sides to lay out their arguments on why the jury should convict or acquit Erin Patterson of the murder and attempted murder charges.The Supreme Court trial is being heard at the Latrobe Valley Law Courts in Morwell. (ABC News: Danielle Bonica)But broadly, prosecutors allege Ms Patterson served a beef Wellington dish containing mushrooms at her regional Victorian home in 2023.They allege the meal led to the deaths of three relatives and the hospitalisation of another.Ms Patterson has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has always maintained her innocenceCopy link2h agoTue 29 Apr 2025 at 11:19pmWelcome to today's coverage of the trialJBy Joseph DunstanCourt reporter Kristian Silva will be bringing us regular updates from the Supreme Court trial of Erin Patterson.Ms Patterson is accused of murdering three of her relatives and the attempted murder of another, through a poisoned lunch at her Leongatha home.She has always maintained her innocence.Copy linkPosted 2h ago2 hours agoTue 29 Apr 2025 at 11:23pm, updated 8m ago8 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 2:08amShare optionsCopy linkFacebookX (formerly Twitter)TimelineRead nextTimelineKey EventsLatestFive plates, five beef Wellingtons24m ago24 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 1:52amProsecution openings begin50m ago50 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 1:26amThe trial begins1h ago1 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 12:58amWho are the key lawyers in the trial?1h ago1 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 12:45amUpcoming witnesses and locations1h ago1 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 12:23amWho is Erin Patterson?2h ago2 hours agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 12:10amWho were the four people allegedly poisoned at the lunch?2h ago2 hours agoTue 29 Apr 2025 at 11:34pmWhat happens in court today?2h ago2 hours agoTue 29 Apr 2025 at 11:21pmTop StoriesAustralian dollar bounces higher after inflation figures announcedTopic:Stock MarketPhoto shows Finances genericBreaking: Headline inflation stable at 2.4pc while RBA's preferred measure drops within targetTopic:InflationAustralia faces 'lonelier' world with rules-based order crumblingTopic:National SecurityThere's a reason Dutton can't resort to a scare campaign with older AustraliansAAnalysis by Annabel CrabbHolmes à Court fuels movement that denies he will have seat at tableTopic:Political Parties and MovementsJust InParamedic 'frustrated' at being forced to stay outside of Bondi stabbing sceneTopic:Crime18m ago18 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 1:58amTrump dismisses 'fake' approval rating as Americans voice tariff fearsTopic:World Politics40m ago40 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 1:35amHeadline inflation stable at 2.4pc while RBA's preferred measure drops within targetBREAKING26m ago26 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 1:50amHow Les Kiss went from rugby league winger to the Wallabies' next coachAnalysis by Luke Pentony47m ago47 minutes agoWed 30 Apr 2025 at 1:29amMore Just InBack to top