Court hears from nurse who says triple murder accused told Leongatha hospital staff ‘I don’t want any of this’ in relation to treatment for suspected poisoning

This past week, the Supreme Court trial of Erin Patterson, who faces three counts of murder and one of attempted murder, entered its eighth day in Morwell. Patterson is accused of serving a fatal beef Wellington laced with poisonous mushrooms to her family during a lunch at her home in Leongatha on July 29, 2023. Tragically, her father-in-law Don Patterson, mother-in-law Gail Patterson, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, all died after the meal, while Ian Wilkinson, Heather’s husband, survived after months of hospitalization. In a compelling moment during the trial, a video recording of Erin Patterson's primary school-aged daughter provided key evidence. The child detailed how she and her brother were dropped off in town while their mother hosted the lunch, emphasizing that her intention was for an adult conversation. She described seeing her mother preparing the meal, which included the identical beef Wellington that eventually sickened her guests. Further complicating the narrative, medical witnesses, including a toxicology registrar, expressed initial concerns about a public health crisis due to potential mushroom toxicity. It was noted that Patterson initially reported that the mushrooms were purchased from a local Safeway and an Asian grocer, yet she could not recall specific details days later, suggesting prior uncertainty around the mushroom's origin. Critical testimony from hospital staff noted that Erin Patterson exhibited signs of distress about her family’s health, including inquiries about her guests when she sought treatment for gastrointestinal symptoms. Despite these inquiries, Patterson reportedly expressed a desire to leave the hospital against medical advice shortly after her arrival, stating she could not stay due to children's commitments. Her actions raised eyebrows about her state of mind and intentions during this dire situation. Tanya Patterson, wife of her estranged husband Matthew, provided additional context about Erin's family dynamics, including a perceived deterioration in her relationship with Simon leading up to the incident. Analysts of the trial emphasize the complex intersection of psychological state and accountability for Patterson, whose plea of not guilty positions her at the heart of an intricate web involving familial commitments and community scrutiny. The case continues to unfold, with more evidence expected in the forthcoming days. As the trial progresses, it draws significant public attention due to its tragic premise and the allegations of intentional harm arising from a meal shared among family members, emphasizing the delicate balance of personal relationships and the law in criminal proceedings.