Alleged killer mushroom cook Erin Patterson appears in court

The first images of Erin Patterson have been captured since she was charged with murdering and attempting to murder family members with poisonous mushrooms.

Patterson, 50, appeared at the Supreme Court of Victoria on Tuesday for a hearing ahead of her upcoming trial.

Accused killer Erin Patterson appeared at the Supreme Court on Tuesday for a hearing ahead of her upcoming trial.Credit: Jason South

The mother of two was ushered into the Melbourne court by security officers just before 10am. She was dressed in a green jumper, black slacks and sandals, and was holding a book.

Patterson’s former in-laws, Gail Patterson, 70, and Don Patterson, 70, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66, all died in hospital days after eating lunch at Patterson’s home in Leongatha, eastern Victoria, on July 29, 2023.

It’s the first time Patterson has been photographed by the media since she was charged with murdering and attempting to murder family members.Credit: Jason South

Police allege Patterson cooked and served a beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms after inviting the group over.

Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, 68, was the only guest to survive Patterson’s beef Wellington. He was released from Austin Hospital in September 2023 after weeks of treatment.

Patterson has pleaded not guilty, and her trial is scheduled for later this month.

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