UPDATE: In a shocking turn of events, evidence has emerged that Erin Patterson, the woman convicted of murdering three of her in-laws, also allegedly attempted to poison her husband, Simon Patterson. This revelation comes as a judge has lifted restrictions on pre-trial materials, exposing details that have stunned the nation.
Last month, a jury found Erin Patterson guilty of luring her mother-in-law, Gail Patterson, father-in-law, Don Patterson, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, to her home in Leongatha for a deadly lunch. The meal, served in July 2023, included Beef Wellington tainted with toxic death cap mushrooms, leading to their tragic deaths.
Details of the alleged poisoning of Simon Patterson, which occurred in 2021 and 2022, reveal a chilling pattern. Evidence presented in court indicated that he became gravely ill after consuming meals prepared by his estranged wife, including a chicken curry and a sandwich wrap. He even kept a spreadsheet documenting his illnesses, which left him close to death on multiple occasions.
“I had the idea I got sick from Erin’s food,” Simon Patterson disclosed during a pre-trial hearing in October 2024. His health deteriorated to the point where he was temporarily paralyzed and underwent bowel surgery. Doctors were baffled, unable to determine the cause of his ailments, which he suspected stemmed from Erin’s cooking.
Don Patterson, who tragically died at the lunch, was convinced he had been poisoned. He even brought a container of his own vomit to the hospital for testing, further emphasizing the dire situation surrounding the family.
The court also learned that evidence from Erin Patterson’s computer, which included searches for various poisons, was excluded from the trial. This detail has fueled intense media speculation and public interest in the case.
Despite the overwhelming evidence against her, Erin Patterson maintains her innocence, arguing that the deaths were a “terrible accident.” She has pleaded not guilty to the attempted murder charges relating to her husband. The court is set to reconvene on August 25 for a two-day plea hearing, where victim impact statements will be read.
Justice Christopher Beale has stated that Patterson has 28 days from the date of sentencing to file an appeal, although it’s unclear whether she will pursue this option. During Friday’s hearing, Justice Beale emphasized the importance of open justice, rejecting the defense’s arguments against releasing the pre-trial information.
As this case continues to unfold, it has captured the attention of the Australian public, raising questions about trust, betrayal, and the lengths to which one might go. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the ramifications of these shocking allegations resonate across the country.
