Additional Coverage:
Leongatha Mushroom Murderer Also Accused of Poisoning Husband
Sydney, Australia – Erin Patterson, the Australian woman recently convicted of murdering three in-laws with a poisonous mushroom meal, also allegedly attempted to poison her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, on several occasions. Newly released evidence reveals chilling details of these prior alleged attempts.
A jury found Patterson guilty last month of poisoning her in-laws, Gail and Don Patterson, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, with death cap mushrooms concealed in a beef wellington. She was also found guilty of the attempted murder of Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, who survived the deadly lunch.
While Patterson faced initial charges related to the attempted murder of Simon Patterson in 2021 and 2022, these charges were dropped before the trial began, preventing the jury from hearing the associated evidence. Now, a judge has allowed the disclosure of this evidence, painting a disturbing picture of prior alleged poisonings.
Simon Patterson testified in a pre-trial hearing last October that he suspected his wife’s cooking was making him ill. He meticulously documented his illnesses, which consistently followed meals prepared by his estranged wife.
These meals included penne bolognese, chicken curry, and a sandwich wrap. According to court testimony, the alleged poisonings left him critically ill, temporarily paralyzed, and requiring the removal of part of his bowel.
Further withheld evidence included internet searches for various poisons found on a computer seized from Patterson’s home.
Throughout the highly publicized trial, Patterson maintained her innocence, attributing the deaths to a “terrible accident.” She also pleaded not guilty to the initial attempted murder charges concerning her husband.
The court will reconvene on August 25th for a two-day plea hearing, during which victim impact statements will be presented.