The case of Erin Patterson, accused of killing three with poisonous Beef Wellington, has gripped the nation.
The trial of a girl accused of murdering three aged folks after serving them toxic mushrooms for lunch has begun in Australia.
Erin Patterson, 50, faces trial by jury at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court docket within the state of Victoria in southeastern Australia, after she allegedly served up Beef Wellington laced with poisonous mushrooms to 4 friends – together with her estranged in-laws – in 2023.
Three of the quartet didn’t survive and Patterson is charged with the murders of her mother-in-law Gail Patterson, father-in-law Donald Patterson, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson.
Prosecutors have dropped expenses concerning the tried homicide of Ian Wilkinson, Heather’s husband, who recovered after practically two months in hospital in Leongatha, a city of about 6,000 folks some 135km (85 miles) from Melbourne.
Patterson has pleaded not responsible on all counts.
Media stand outdoors the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court docket in Morwell, Australia, April 29, 2025 (Reuters)
Jury choice started on the courtroom on Tuesday. Opening arguments within the case, which has gripped Australia and made headlines the world over, are anticipated to start on Wednesday morning.
The case has generated a string of podcasts and even a tv documentary sequence on Australian streaming service Stan.
Six seats within the courtroom reserved for media are being allotted in a each day poll. Dozens extra are anticipated to observe proceedings in an overflow room arrange on the courtroom.
Whereas the courtroom is open to the general public, the case is not going to be televised. The trial is anticipated to run for 5 to 6 weeks.
Victoria’s Supreme Court docket has imposed strict tips on reporting concerning the case to make sure a good trial.
