Jury chosen for mushroom cook murder trial

The group of jurors set to hear the case for and against alleged triple-murderer Erin Patterson has been chosen, as the trial gets underway in Morwell.

The jury was empanelled over the early afternoon, with Justice Christopher Beale to deliver his directions from 3pm.

Ms Patterson, 50, is accused of murdering her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, as well as Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, who all died in hospital days after consuming an allegedly deadly mushroom meal at her Leongatha home in July 2023.

Erin Patterson’s trial has started in Morwell today, with a jury of 12 people chosen. Picture: David Crosling

Ms Patterson is also accused of attempting to murder Heather’s husband Ian Wilkinson, who survived following weeks of treatment in hospital.

She denies wrongdoing and has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During the empanelment process, both the prosecution and defence had the opportunity to challenge potential jurors, from the Gippsland region, before a final panel was sworn in.

Up to 15 jurors are expected to be selected to allow for illness or unforeseen circumstances.

But only 12 jurors will return a verdict at the end of the trial, with the final jury to be determined by ballot before they retire to deliberate.

Crown prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC and defence barrister Colin Mandy SC will deliver their opening addresses on Wednesday.

The trial, before Justice Christopher Beale, is expected to run from five to six weeks.

Don and Gail Patterson died after eating a beef wellington that allegedly contained death cap mushrooms. Picture: Supplied

Heather Wilkinson also died following the lunch, while her husband Ian survived. Picture: Facebook

Follow the trial:

For daily podcast episodes, live blogs and coverage from inside the courtroom, visit themushroomcook.com.au

Originally published as Jury chosen for mushroom cook murder trial