Mushroom cook’s deleted social media accounts in police spotlight
Erin Patterson amassed a bunch of social media accounts under different aliases, with detectives taking a special interest in her Facebook use.
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Erin Patterson’s digital footprint is expected to form a key part in the prosecutor’s case against the accused triple mushroom murderer.
The mum of two was charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder – three of which relate to earlier alleged attempts to kill her ex-husband Simon Patterson – in November last year.
Ms Patterson’s former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson died after allegedly eating a poisonous beef wellington dish at her Leongatha home on July 29.
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Heather’s husband Ian Wilkinson survived the meal after he spent two months in hospital.
Simon Patterson was due to attend the lunch, but pulled out at the last minute.
It is understood detectives are particularly interested in Ms Patterson’s Facebook usage.
The Herald Sun has been told Ms Patterson allegedly created several profiles under different names.
But it’s believed she never claimed to be anyone other than herself while chatting to friends in Facebook groups.
She was known to delete her accounts and start new ones sporadically.
Ms Patterson’s Google searches are also expected to be of interest to prosecutors.
A police source told the Herald Sun deleted searches can be traced by the force’s specialist team.
“It’s not easy but it’s doable on most occasions,” he said.
“She might be involved in conversations or narratives where she has talked about this stuff on online forums ... it could be the tiniest thing.”
It comes as five iPads, two secure digital cards, a smart watch and trail camera were among several hidden items found at her Leongatha house on November 2.
Australian Federal Police technology detector dogs were brought in to help Victoria Police in executing the search warrant.
“Technology Detector Dog Georgia found one USB, a micro secure digital card and a SIM card,” AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw told a Senate estimates hearing last month.
“Technology Detector Dog Alma found a mobile phone, five iPads, a trail camera, and secure digital card and a smart watch.
“These were not found during initial searches undertaken by officers.”
Victoria Police confirmed last week that Homicide Squad detectives served the brief of evidence to Ms Patterson’s lawyers Bill Doogue and Philip Dunn KC.
This is in line with the magistrate’s demand that it be finished by March 25.
The brief is believed to contain a group of documents such as witness statements and photographs the prosecution will rely on as evidence against Ms Patterson.
Ms Patterson will return to Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court via video link on April 22 for a special mention ahead of a committal mention on May 3.
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Originally published as Mushroom cook’s deleted social media accounts in police spotlight
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