PHOTO: Daughter-in-law ‘served deadly mushroom lunch that killed three’. THE TIMES
Leongatha mushroom poisoning
A family luncheon in Leongatha took a tragic turn as four individuals were poisoned. Regrettably, three of them have passed away, while the fourth remains in critical condition. Suspicion has fallen upon the daughter-in-law of one of the couples, who is being investigated in connection with the incident. However, she has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, asserting her affection for the victims.
The woman who hosted the ill-fated meal, Erin Patterson, 48, reportedly exhibited signs of distress after law enforcement officers visited her residence over the weekend. Patterson had extended an invitation to her former in-laws, Gail and Don Patterson, as well as Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, and her husband Ian, to join her for lunch at her home in Leongatha on July 29.
Real estate photos show mushrooms growing at the base of a tree at Ms Patterson’s Leongatha property
Following the meal, all four attendees fell seriously ill and were hospitalized the following day. Tragically, both the Pattersons, aged 70, and Ms. Wilkinson, 66, succumbed to the poisoning, while Mr. Wilkinson, 68, remains in a critical state. Erin Patterson, who prepared the meal, is now a person of interest in the investigation. Recent reports suggest that she was overheard expressing emotional distress when police visited her residence.
Patterson maintains her innocence and has not been charged in connection with the incident at this stage of the investigation. Additionally, recent photographs of her Leongatha home reveal wild mushrooms growing on the property, although it is not implied that these particular mushrooms were the cause of the poisoning.
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Described as a “nature wonderland” in a previous real estate advertisement, Patterson’s property boasts natural beauty, including stately Eucalypts, Black Wattles, and abundant wildlife. Her estranged husband, Simon, resides at a different address, and their relationship was reportedly amicable before the tragic deaths of his parents.
Homicide detectives, investigating the circumstances, searched Patterson’s property and confiscated various items, including a dehydrator believed to have been used in the preparation of the mushrooms. Patterson was questioned by the police and subsequently released pending further inquiries. Detective Inspector Dean Thomas confirmed her status as a person of interest, clarifying that the deaths were being treated as “unexplained” rather than suspicious.
Patterson, visibly emotional, denied any wrongdoing and expressed her deep sorrow over the loss of the victims. She cherished the memories of the guests and their kindness towards her. While the investigation delves into the source of the poisonous mushrooms, Patterson’s children, who were also present at the meal, have been removed from her care as a precaution.
Police officers were seen going into Ms Patterson’s home (pictured) on Sunday night
The property, which was purchased in 2019, sits on around 2.5 acres of land, described as a ‘nature wonderland’
In the midst of this tragedy, the Wilkinson and Patterson families released a joint statement, mourning the loss of their loved ones and highlighting their significant contributions to the community. The local community is grappling with shock and grief, coming to terms with the impact of this unfortunate incident.
Victoria has been cautioned about the presence of deadly mushrooms, specifically Death Cap and Yellow-staining varieties. The state’s Department of Health has advised residents to exercise caution and only consume mushrooms from reputable sources to avoid potential poisoning.
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