An Australian man had suspected for years that his estranged wife was trying to poison him—long before she served a fatal meal that killed three of his relatives, newly unsealed court documents reveal.
Erin Patterson, 50, was found guilty last month by the Victoria Supreme Court of murdering her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson. The trio died after consuming beef Wellington pastries laced with deadly death cap mushrooms at her home in July 2023. Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, also ate the meal and spent weeks hospitalized in critical condition but survived.
Before the deadly lunch, Erin’s estranged husband, Simon Patterson, refused to attend, fearing she might poison him. In a pre-trial hearing, Simon testified that he had avoided eating any food she prepared since their separation in 2015, though he never imagined she would harm others.
He also revealed that he had fallen seriously ill multiple times between late 2021 and 2022 after eating meals Erin prepared during family camping trips. Dishes like pasta, chicken curry, and vegetable wraps made him violently sick, though no poison was ever confirmed. Following his doctor’s advice, Simon kept detailed records of what he ate.
Initially, Erin faced charges of attempting to murder Simon—both during the fatal lunch and on three prior occasions. However, prosecutors dropped all charges related to Simon before the trial began in April.
Erin’s legal team had sought to keep pretrial evidence sealed until after her appeal, arguing that media coverage, books, and upcoming TV adaptations could prejudice potential jurors if a retrial were ordered. The judge rejected the request, allowing the disturbing details to become public.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 25, where Erin Patterson could receive life in prison for each murder and up to 25 years for attempted murder. Victim impact statements from grieving family members are expected to be presented.
After sentencing, Erin will have 28 days to appeal. Her lawyers have already indicated plans to challenge the convictions.
The case has gripped Australia, raising harrowing questions about trust, family betrayal, and the hidden dangers lurking behind a seemingly ordinary meal.