Erin Patterson mushroom murder trial

The story so far

Police searched a home in Leongatha, Victoria, after a lunch where a beef Wellington was believed to contain toxic mushrooms and three people died.^{27 May 2025} The 50-year-old accused was charged with the July 2023 deaths of three relatives, who were allegedly served death cap mushrooms, and pleaded not guilty to murder.^{4, 5 Jun 2025} During the trial she testified that she did not mean to kill anyone, and she disputed evidence from several witnesses, including a lunch survivor.^{5, 10 Jun 2025} The jury found the accused guilty of murdering three relatives, and she faces a potential life sentence.^{8, 9 Jul 2025}

Latest

The accused has been found guilty of murdering the three relatives, and a legal expert suggests the convictions may be difficult to appeal.^{8, 9 Jul 2025} The verdict followed a two-month trial in the Supreme Court of Victoria.^{8, 9 Jul 2025}

What's next

The accused faces a potential life sentence.^{9 Jul 2025}

Key moments

1. 27 May 2025Police search the Leongatha home after a lunch involving suspected toxic mushrooms.
2. 4 Jun 2025The accused gives evidence and pleads not guilty to the murders of three relatives.
3. 5 Jun 2025The accused testifies she did not intend to kill her relatives.
4. 12 Jun 2025The accused finishes eight days of testimony, denying deliberate mushroom sourcing claims.
5. 24 Jun 2025The judge directs the jury on bias and on the not guilty standard.
6. 30 Jun 2025The jury retires to consider its verdict, including an attempted murder charge.
7. 8 Jul 2025The accused is found guilty of murdering three relatives by poisonous mushrooms.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.