May 23rd 2024.
Erin Patterson, the woman accused of a heinous crime involving mushrooms, appeared in the Supreme Court for the first time today. The court session was brief, but the gravity of the situation was palpable.
At 49 years old, Patterson stands accused of the murder of her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson. The three victims, all in their seventies, tragically passed away in the hospital after consuming a meal containing poisonous mushrooms in Patterson's Leongatha home in South Gippsland on July 29, 2023.
In addition to the murder charges, Patterson also faces accusations of attempted murder. It is alleged that she tried to kill her ex-husband Simon during the same lunch and on three separate occasions dating back to 2021. She is also accused of attempting to murder Wilkinson's husband, Ian, who spent nearly two months in the hospital, including a coma, for treatment.
Patterson entered a plea of not guilty to the three murder charges and five attempted murder charges at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court on May 7. Her case was then expedited to the Supreme Court in Melbourne, where she appeared via video link for a directions hearing on Thursday. Unfortunately, due to legal reasons, the details of the hearing cannot be disclosed.
Patterson's legal representation, barrister Colin Mandy SC, will continue to defend her as she returns to the Supreme Court in August for another hearing. The case will be closely monitored as it unfolds, with the hope of bringing justice and closure to all involved.
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