Ex-husband Simon Patterson’s shock revelation in Leongatha mushroom mystery
The woman at the centre of the deadly mushroom lunch allegedly tried to poison her former husband in the past.
Police & Courts
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The ex-husband of the woman who cooked a deadly mushroom lunch that claimed the lives of three people alleges she had previously tried to poison him.
A source close to the family told the Herald Sun that Simon Patterson believed his ex-wife Erin Patterson had tried to poison him through an “ingested toxin”.
“Simon suspected he had been poisoned by Erin,” the friend said.
“There were times he had felt … a bit off and it often coincided when he spent time with her.”
The Herald Sun is not suggesting Ms Patterson did attempt to poison Simon, only that he has made allegations to that effect.
The Herald Sun revealed on Tuesday that Simon battled a mystery gut illness in May last year that left him fighting for life and in an induced coma for 16 days.
The source said Simon thought he had ingested the poison through nightshade plants – a family of herbs, shrubs and trees, which includes tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes and peppers.
Nightshade plants can be fatal as they can contain poisonous alkaloids.
It comes as his mother Gail, father Don and aunt Heather Wilkinson died after eating what police believe were wild death cap mushrooms at a lunch cooked by Erin in Leongatha on July 29.
Sole survivor Ian Wilkinson, a pastor at Korumburra Baptist Church, was on Wednesday night in a critical condition awaiting a liver transplant.
On Wednesday, police returned to a rubbish tip in Koonwarra to request CCTV footage after a dehydrator was found discarded at the site.
The Herald Sun previously revealed one theory being investigated was whether a food dehydrator was used to prepare the meal and then disposed of a day after the lunch.
Police are believed to be carrying out forensic testing on the appliance.
Dehydrators can be used in cooking to preserve or intensify certain flavours.
Simon shared details of his illness in a social media post, with the father of two saying he almost died.
“My family were asked to come and say goodbye to me twice, as I was not expected to live,” he said.
Simon collapsed at home and was placed in an induced coma. He later underwent multiple surgeries to remove some of his necrotic bowel.
Following his recovery, Simon told his family and friends about his suspicions of being poisoned.
It’s understood authorities were also alerted to his claims.
The source close to the family said Simon and Erin separated years ago but he had tried to keep the relationship stable for the sake of their children.
“I think he was really trying to facilitate a healthy co-parenting arrangement,” the source said.
“Basically all of his choices and everything he was doing was to keep things stable for the kids.”
When asked earlier in the week about police treating her as a suspect in the tragic lunch deaths, Erin maintained her innocence.
“I didn’t do anything,” she told the media on Monday.
“I loved them and I’m devastated they are gone.
“They were some of the best people I’ve ever met.”
Erin has so far refused to answer questions about where the mushrooms came from, who picked them and what meal she cooked for the couples.
She gave a “no comment” interview when questioned by detectives on Saturday.
Leongatha supermarkets declined to comment on whether they had received any police inquires or knew anyone involved in the case.
Speculation among the small South Gippsland town of Korumburra was that the meal at the centre of the tragedy was beef stroganoff, however the Herald Sun has been unable to confirm that this was the dish.
The Homicide Squad’s Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said Erin had prepared separate meals for her children, who were at the lunch but no longer live at the property.
Erin left her Leongatha home on Tuesday, clutching a silver suitcase after telling waiting media she felt “s--thouse”.
Members of the Patterson and Wilkinson families spoke of their heartbreak in a joint message displayed outside Korumburra Baptist Church on Wednesday.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of a tragic event which has deeply impacted our families, friends and church communities,” the families said.
“Our beloved family members were cherished individuals. They were parents, grandparents, siblings, children and pillars of faith within our community.
“Their love, steadfast faith, and selfless service have left an indelible mark on our families.”
The note, accompanied by a growing pile of floral tributes, concluded by thanking hospital staff who cared for the group before three tragically died.
“Their tireless efforts, expertise, and compassionate care have been a source of comfort during this difficult time,” the message said.
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