By VK 
It Was Just a Terrible Accident,” Says Woman Accused of Murder After
Mushroom Lunch Kills Three
A woman in Australia is facing a murder trial after cooking a lunch that led to the deaths of
three of her family members. Erin Patterson, the woman who made the food, says she never
meant to hurt anyone — and calls it a terrible accident.
What Happened That Day?
Erin invited her former in-laws over for a meal at her home in Leongatha, a small town in
Victoria. The guests were:
-
Gail and Don Patterson (her ex-husband’s parents)
-
Heather Wilkinson (Gail’s sister)
-
Ian Wilkinson (Heather’s husband)
After eating the meal, which included mushrooms, all four guests became very sick. Three of
them — Gail, Don, and Heather — later died in the hospital. Ian survived but was in critical
condition for several weeks.
Strangely, Erin herself did not get sick, and her ex-husband, Simon Patterson, was not at the
lunch.
How Did This Happen?
Police later said that the mushrooms in the meal were death cap mushrooms — a highly
poisonous type that can kill even if eaten in small amounts. They look like normal mushrooms,
so they can be easily mistaken.
No one is sure yet where Erin got the mushrooms. She told police she bought them from an
Asian grocery store and didn’t know they were dangerous. She also said she didn’t eat the same
meal that the others did.
What Erin Says
Erin has said she is heartbroken and never wanted to harm anyone.
“They were people I cared about. I didn’t do anything on purpose. It was a horrible accident,” she said.
She also mentioned that she loved her in-laws and was very upset about their deaths.
Why People Are Suspicious
Some people don’t believe Erin. They find it strange that only the guests got sick and she was
completely fine. Also, she had some past issues with her ex-husband’s family, which makes the
case more suspicious.
Because of these doubts, the police charged her with murder. But Erin still says she is innocent.
What’s Next?
The case is now in court. The judge will hear all the evidence — like medical reports, expert
opinions, and witness statements — before making a decision.
If Erin is found guilty, she could go to prison for the rest of her life. Until then, she is out on bail
and waiting for her trial.