Mushroom deaths Victoria: What’s next for Erin Patterson – cook of the lunch that killed three

Mushroom kill Victoria: What’s next for Erin Patterson – cook of the lunch that killed three

Former Victoria Police Detective Charlie Bezzina has outlined what he believes are the next possible steps in the mushroom investigation.

Patterson, 48, is at the center of a now-infamous luncheon at her Leongatha home, in Victoria’s southeastern Gippsland region, on July 29 that left three of her former in-laws dead from suspected mushroom poisoning.

Don and Gail Patterson, along with Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, became seriously ill and died just days after lunch. Heather’s husband Ian is still in critical condition in hospital.

Erin has denied any wrongdoing and no charges are expected at this stage of the investigation. Daily Mail Australia does not suggest that Ms Patterson was responsible for any of the poisonings or deaths.

Erin Patterson (pictured) takes center stage during a luncheon at her home that left three family members dead

Former Victoria Police homicide detective Charlie Bezzina (pictured) said many questions in the case remain unsolved

Former Victoria Police homicide detective Charlie Bezzina (pictured) said many questions in the case remain unsolved

Mr. Bezzina told the de Announce sun there is still a long way to go in the investigation and believe the police can only build an indirect case against the mother of two.

A circumstantial case relies on circumstantial evidence and inference to arrive at a conclusion, often connecting different pieces of information together to build a cohesive story.

He stressed that inconsistencies between Erin’s written statement to police and what was initially reported did not necessarily make her a murderer.

Those expected to be questioned include Erin’s ex-husband Simon Patterson, their two children and extended family members.

Police will also aim to talk to Ian Wilkinson once his condition improves.

Detectives were also able to search Erin’s phone and internet search history and examine any links and associations she had with clubs and groups.

It will also look at possible romantic interests, any plans to reconcile with ex Simon and whether she had anything to gain from the death of her in-laws.

“You would look at the history of the family situation to see if there was any animosity,” Mr. Bezzina said.

Erin's former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson (pictured) died a week after attending lunch

Erin’s former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson (pictured) died a week after attending lunch

Ian Wilkinson and Heather Wilkinson (both pictured) became seriously ill after eating wild mushrooms.  Mrs Wilkinson passed away on Friday while her husband remains in critical condition

Ian Wilkinson and Heather Wilkinson (both pictured) became seriously ill after eating wild mushrooms. Mrs Wilkinson passed away on Friday while her husband remains in critical condition

He said that in the end, police have four options: murder, manslaughter, serious injury intentionally or recklessly, or cause an accident.

Mr Bezzina added that detectives will be driven by Erin’s comments, despite “chopping and dressing her up”.

The biggest key to the investigation is the latest toxicology reports from the luncheon guests.

Even if the reports confirm that mushrooms have been eaten, it may not be enough to press charges.

“I feel like they’re going to get through all of that, they’re going to end up with some circumstantial evidence… and if it doesn’t get better – even with all the inconsistencies,” Mr Bezzina said.

Other unsolved aspects of the mushroom mystery that require further investigation include the removal of the dehydrator at a nearby tip, where the mushrooms were purchased, and why Erin’s kids went to the movies instead of lunch.

Allegations that Simon Patterson believed his ex-wife had previously tried to poison him “will certainly be rigorously investigated by the police,” Bezzina said.

Simon spent 21 days in intensive care after collapsing at home in May 2022.

Simon Patterson, Erin's estranged husband, will be among those questioned by police

Simon Patterson, Erin’s estranged husband, will be among those questioned by police

MUSHROOM POISONING: A TIMELINE OF EVENTS

Saturday July 29

Don and Gail Patterson and Heather and Ian Wilkinson (a minister) meet at Erin Patterson’s home in Leongatha, northeast of Melbourne, for lunch and east of her beef wellington

Erin’s two kids go to the movies

Sunday July 30

Erin’s kids eat leftover beef wellington but with the mushrooms scraped off.

All four lunch guests who come to the hospital feel sick. At first they are thought to have gastro.

As their condition worsens, they are being transferred to Melbourne hospitals.

Erin also goes to the hospital.

Monday July 31

Erin is taken to a Melbourne hospital where she is treated for poisoning

Friday August 4

Gail and Heather die in hospital.

The police find Erin’s dehydrator dumped at a tip

Saturday August 5

Don dies in hospital. The police search Erin Patterson’s home in Leongatha and seize a number of items.

Sunday August 6

The police return to Erin’s house to question her. She hears loud crying from inside the house before the four officers leave.

Monday August 7

Victoria Police Detective Inspector Dean Thomas confirms that Erin is being treated as a person of interest in the case.

However, he says the investigation is still in its early stages and it has yet to be determined whether the deaths are suspicious.

A short time later, Erin breaks her silence and speaks to reporters outside the house. She says she is devastated and “loves” the four family members who came to her home. She denies any allegations, but won’t answer questions about where the mushrooms come from, who picked them, or what kind of meal she prepared for her guests.

Tuesday August 8

In a bizarre twist, it was revealed that Simon Patterson suffered from a mysterious stomach illness in June 2022. He fell into a coma and spent 21 days in ICU. His case has yet to be explained by doctors.

Forensics are underway to find traces of the dead cap mushroom on the dehydrator. The police suspect that it was used during the preparation of the meal.

Wednesday, August 9

Daily Mail Australia reveals that Simon Patterson was expected to attend the luncheon but pulled out at the last minute

Thursday, August 10

Erin Patterson tells reporters she is driving to Melbourne to see her lawyers. A representative from the law firm later arrives at her house to deliver a letter, but she is not home.

Friday August 11: Erin Patterson makes a long written statement to the police