Erin Patterson speaks about her experience in a mushroom trial, emphasizing her embarrassment over a weight loss surgery plan that resulted in false claims about cancer. | Victoria

Erin Patterson has testified in court, admitting that she is aware she accidentally added foraged mushrooms to her beef wellington recipe while attempting to improve its flavor, and falsely claimed to have cancer prior to her upcoming weight loss surgery out of embarrassment. Patterson, who faces three charges of murder and one of attempted murder in connection to poisoning her in-laws with the contaminated beef wellington served at her house, stated that the mushrooms she used came from a container that she believed only contained store-bought mushrooms. She also disinfected the mushrooms to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy. However, she now suspects that there could have been wild mushrooms in the mix as well. Additionally, Patterson revealed that she had lied to her guests about undergoing cancer treatment to avoid discussing her upcoming surgery and to continue receiving their care and support. The sole survivor of the lunch, Ian Wilkinson, was present in court and appeared unresponsive during her testimony. Her trial is continuing, with Patterson’s defense arguing that the death cap mushroom poisoning was an unfortunate accident.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/04/erin-patterson-murder-trial-cancer-lies-foraged-mushrooms-beef-wellington-lunch-ntwnfb