In a shocking incident in Leongatha, Australia, Erin Patterson hosted a luncheon on July 29, which resulted in the tragic deaths of three guests and left another battling for life. The deceased include Patterson’s former in-laws, Gail and Don Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66. Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, 68, was the sole survivor among the guests.
The four attendees were admitted to the hospital a day after the luncheon, with Ian Wilkinson being the only one to recover. The symptoms exhibited by the diners were consistent with poisoning caused by wild Death Cap Mushrooms.
Erin Patterson, who is currently 49 years old, has been taken into custody for further questioning by the Homicide Squad detectives. Victoria Police Detective Inspector Dean Thomas stated that the arrest is a significant development in a complex investigation, which is still ongoing.
Previously, Patterson had been interviewed about the tragic event but was not charged. She has consistently denied any intentional wrongdoing. In a statement, Patterson mentioned that she had prepared a Beef Wellington dish for the luncheon using mushrooms sourced from a prominent supermarket chain and dried mushrooms from an Asian grocery store. She also consumed the meal and experienced stomach pains and diarrhea afterward.
The police had conducted a search at Patterson’s residence on August 5, the day the third guest passed away. Ian Wilkinson, a Baptist pastor, was discharged from the hospital in late September and is on the path to recovery.