Overview

• Erin Patterson has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering three relatives and attempting to kill a fourth by allegedly serving beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms in 2023.
• The jury, initially 15 members, has been reduced to 14 after a juror was dismissed for discussing the case outside of court and will soon be further reduced to 12 sequestered members for deliberation.
• Toxicologists confirmed the presence of death cap mushroom toxins in food remnants from Patterson’s home and testified on factors influencing variable toxicity outcomes among those who consumed the meal.
• Patterson claims she ate only half of her portion of the beef Wellington, a point disputed by forensic experts who suggest her share should have caused noticeable adverse effects.
• The trial, held in Morwell, Victoria, is set to enter its final weeks with closing arguments expected soon, as media scrutiny and public interest remain high.