The only survivor of the deadly lunch, an Australian woman who is accused of murdering three of her former in-laws with poisonous mushroom-laced beef wellingtons, has testified in court.
In a case that has captivated Australia and made headlines around the world, Erin Patterson, 50, is charged with the alleged murder of her estranged husband’s parents, Don and Gail Patterson, and his aunt, Heather Wilkinson.
Ian Wilkinson, Heather’s husband, and the only surviving occupant of the luncheon served at Patterson’s home in Victoria on July 29, 2023, is also accused of being the attempted murderer.
Her attorneys claim that Patterson panicked after accidentally serving her relatives the toxic mushrooms in a “terrible accident” despite the fact that she has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Ian Wilkinson claimed that Patterson had appeared “reluctant” to let her guests into the pantry on day six of the trial.
At the Morwell courthouses, which are located about 150 kilometers (93 miles) southeast of Melbourne, Wilkinson told the jury that “both Heather and Gail were offering to help plate up the food.”
Erin was plated after the offer was rejected.
Although Wilkinson claimed that he and his wife had gastroenteritis the night before, they still had diarrhea and vomiting.
The 71-year-old pastor of the church described Patterson as an “acquaintance” and claimed that their relationship was “friendly” and “amicable” but lacking in depth.
He claimed that “she just seemed like a regular person.”
Source: Aljazeera
Leave a Reply