Jury Deliberates Triple Murder Trial in Victoria

Jury deliberations have begun in the high-profile murder trial of Erin Patterson, who faces charges of murdering three of her estranged husband's relatives and attempting to murder a fourth by serving them beef Wellingtons laced with death cap mushrooms. The victims, Don and Gail Patterson and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, died after the meal, while Heather's husband Ian Wilkinson survived. The prosecution alleges Patterson deliberately planned the poisoning, citing her disposal of a food dehydrator, alleged lies about having cancer, and attempts to cover her tracks, while the defense claims the poisoning was accidental due to a mix-up of mushrooms and that Patterson’s deceptive behavior was out of panic, not guilt. Justice Christopher Beale instructed the jury to consider whether the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt Patterson’s intent to kill, emphasizing the need for unanimity and impartiality despite media attention and sympathy for the victims. The jury is sequestered and must reach a unanimous verdict on all charges, with deliberations potentially continuing through the week. Patterson, who has pleaded not guilty, could face life imprisonment if convicted.