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Digital Forensics and Family Discord Take Center Stage in Erin Patterson Mushroom Trial

As the trial enters its fourth week, evidence of internet searches, phone resets, and strained family relationships are presented to the jury.

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Overview

  • Victoria Police digital forensics officer Shamen Fox-Henry testified about Erin Patterson's web searches, including visits to a death cap mushroom page on iNaturalist in May 2022.
  • Evidence presented to the jury includes photos of mushrooms in a dehydrator and multiple factory resets of a phone seized after the fatal July 2023 lunch.
  • Recovered Facebook messages reveal Patterson's frustration with her estranged husband and his family, describing them as a 'lost cause' and expressing a desire to cut ties.
  • Medical testimony detailed the severe symptoms and treatments for the lunch guests, three of whom died from mushroom poisoning, while Patterson maintains it was an accident.
  • The judge reminded jurors to rely solely on in-court evidence as testimony continues, with more witnesses expected to appear in the coming days.