Erin Patterson Testifies Fourth Day in Fatal Mushroom Poisoning Trial

Erin Patterson is on trial in Victoria, Australia, accused of deliberately poisoning her former in-laws by serving them a beef Wellington laced with deadly death cap mushrooms in 2023, resulting in three deaths and one attempted murder. During her testimony, Patterson detailed her strained relationship with her estranged husband Simon Patterson and his family, describing poor communication and a sense of being distanced from them in the months leading up to the fatal meal. She spoke candidly about personal struggles, including a traumatic birth and her growing interest in foraging wild mushrooms near her home. Patterson denied the murder charges, pleading not guilty to three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. The prosecution alleges the poisoning was intentional, while Patterson claimed the mushrooms in the dish were a combination of store-bought and those from an Asian grocer, emphasizing the complexity of the case. The trial has revealed emotional courtroom moments, with Patterson breaking down while giving evidence about her fractured family ties and the events surrounding the tragic lunch.