Mushroom poisoning: Ian Wilkinson released from hospital after Leongatha lunch
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 children go to the movies
Sunday July 30
Erin’s kids eat leftover beef wellington, but with the mushrooms scraped off.
All four lunch guests present at the hospital felt ill. Initially it is thought that they have gastro.
As their condition worsens, they will be transferred to hospitals in Melbourne.
Erin also goes to the hospital.
Monday July 31
Erin is taken to a hospital in Melbourne, where she is treated for poisoning
Friday August 4
Gail and Heather die in the hospital.
The police find Erin’s food dehydrator dumped in a landfill
Saturday August 5
Don dies in the hospital. Police search Erin Patterson’s home in Leongatha and seize a number of items.
Sunday August 6
Police are seen returning to Erin’s house to question her. She hears them wailing loudly from the house before the four officers leave.
Monday August 7
Victoria Police Detective Dean Thomas confirmed 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 home. She says she is devastated and “loves” the four family members who came to her home. She denies all allegations, but does not answer the question of where the mushrooms came from, who picked them or what meal she prepared for her guests.
Tuesday August 8
In a bizarre twist, Simon Patterson was revealed to have been suffering from a mysterious stomach illness in June 2022. He fell into a coma and was in intensive care for 21 days. His case is yet to be explained by doctors.
Forensic tests are being conducted to find traces of death cap mushrooms on the food dehydrator. Police suspect it was used during the preparation of the meal.
Wednesday August 9
Daily Mail Australia reveals Simon Patterson was expected to attend the lunch 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 home to deliver a letter, but she is not home.
Friday August 11: Erin Patterson gives a long written statement to the police