Mushroom deaths 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.

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.

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.