Erin Patterson faces trial for poisoning murder of in-laws in Victoria

Erin Patterson is on trial in Victoria, Australia, accused of murdering her former in-laws and their relative by allegedly serving them beef Wellington containing death cap mushrooms at a lunch in July 2023. The court heard Patterson invited her ex-husband's family to discuss her recent cancer diagnosis and seek advice on informing her children, emphasizing the effort she put into preparing the meal. Notably, Patterson served her guests' food on different plates than her own, a detail that was questioned by one of the victims before her death. Within hours of the meal, the guests experienced severe symptoms consistent with mushroom poisoning, resulting in three deaths and one survivor. Patterson has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one of attempted murder, and the prosecution has begun outlining their case in a trial that has attracted significant media attention. The jury selection and case details highlight the complexity and high-profile nature of the proceedings.