US EditionExpert Testifies on Death Cap Mushroom Risks in Erin Patterson Murder Trial
- Erin Patterson is on trial for allegedly poisoning three in-laws with death cap mushrooms at a July 29, 2023 lunch in her Leongatha home.
- The deaths followed consumption of a beef wellington containing death cap mushrooms, which the defence says was a tragic accident, not intentional poisoning.
- Evidence showed death cap mushrooms had been sighted months earlier in Gippsland, and experts explained the difficulty in identifying these poisonous fungi.
- Medical testimony indicated Patterson fell ill after the lunch but showed no clinical signs of mushroom poisoning when assessed and was discharged from hospital.
- The ongoing trial before Justice Beale continues to present both prosecution and defence witnesses with efforts to condense evidence for an earlier conclusion.
27 Articles
27 Articles
Patterson trial continues as court reveals locations of deadly cap mushrooms
Victoria’s Supreme Court has been shown locations around the hometown of accused triple murderer Erin Patterson - where death cap mushrooms were recorded to be growing. Medical professionals had earlier told the court Patterson appeared well, with no evidence she’d consumed the toxic mushrooms that killed her lunch guests.
A mushroom expert is helping them find out if a woman intentionally poisoned her family.
Erin Patterson, 50, is on trial after several family members died during a family dinner. The fatal meal may have been caused by mushroom poisoning. Australian authorities have called a mushroom expert to the trial to determine whether the woman deliberately poisoned her family members or if it was just an unfortunate accident.
Mushroom murder trial: Mycologist tells court of death cap sightings
Mycologist Tom May gave evidence in the Erin Patterson triple-murder trial. Photo: Getty Images Poisonous mushroom identification is fraught with challenges and toxicity is often determined after they are ingested, an expert has told Erin Patterson's triple-murder trial.
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