A woman accused of killing three relatives of her ex-husband by serving them poisonous mushrooms has testified about marital issues in a highly publicized Australian court trial.
Erin Patterson, 50, is charged with murdering her former parents-in-law and their sister, as well as attempting to murder the sister’s husband. The poisoning incident occurred at Patterson’s home in July 2023, when she served meals of beef Wellington, mashed potatoes, and green beans to four guests.
Patterson revealed personal struggles with low self-esteem, shifting spirituality, and a complicated birth of her son during her testimony. She stated that she had felt distant from the wider Patterson family, particularly Don and Gail, in recent years due to an estranged marriage.
The prosecution presented its evidence earlier on Monday, with witnesses describing how Patterson’s ex-husband, Simon, seemed to be pushing her out of the family before the fatal meal. Patterson’s lawyer claimed that the poisoning was accidental, but she has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The trial is nearing its conclusion, with Patterson due to return to the witness stand on Tuesday. The court heard that lunch host Erin Patterson had plated individual serves of food, including steak and mushrooms, which caused the poisoning.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/poison-mushroom-murder-trial-erin-patterson-testifies