Erin Patterson, a 49-year-old woman from Victoria, Australia, has pleaded not guilty to charges involving the deaths and attempted killings of several individuals through the alleged use of poisonous mushrooms. The charges include three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder. The incident reportedly occurred during a lunch at Patterson’s property in Leongatha, Victoria, in July 2023, where she is accused of serving a meal containing deadly mushrooms.

The victims, who reportedly include Patterson’s estranged husband’s parents and aunt, were part of a family gathering. After consuming the meal, three individuals died, and another person was left in a critical condition. The police suspect that the toxic fungus consumed was the death cap mushroom, known for its lethal potential.

Further investigations into Patterson’s past revealed allegations of multiple attempts on her husband’s life, leading to additional charges. These alleged attempts spanned different locations and occurred between 2021 and 2022.

Patterson, who is currently held on remand at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, appeared in court via video link to face these charges. Opting to expedite the legal proceedings, she waived a committal hearing, leading to a Section 198 hearing in the Supreme Court of Melbourne, set for 23 May. Throughout her court appearance, she affirmed her innocence by pleading “not guilty” to the various charges. The case continues to develop and is closely followed both locally and internationally.