Erin Patterson, a 48-year-old resident of eastern Victoria, found herself in police custody after a tragic incident that claimed the lives of three of her relatives.
The statement says: “Homicide Squad detectives have charged a woman this afternoon as part of their investigation into the deaths of three people following an incident in Leongatha earlier this year.
“A 49-year-old woman was arrested this morning and interviewed by police.
“The Leongatha woman has subsequently been charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder.
“She was remanded in custody to appear at Morwell Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning.
“The murder charges and two attempted murder charges relate to an incident on July 29, where four people were taken to hospital after they fell ill following a meal at a private residence in Leongatha.
“A 70-year-old man, a 70-year-old woman and a 66-year-old woman, all from Korumburra, subsequently passed away.
“A 69-year-old Korumburra man was released from hospital on September 23.
“The further three attempted murder charges relate to three separate incidents in Victoria between 2021-2022.
The horrifying event unfolded when Patterson prepared a lunch featuring mushrooms. What’s not yet known is whether she had foraged from a nearby forest, unaware of the deadly consequences her choice would bring.
According to authorities, Patterson’s unsuspecting family members, who had gathered for a leisurely lunch, fell ill shortly after consuming the meal.
Despite their efforts to seek medical help, three relatives tragically lost their lives before reaching the hospital.
Patterson’s arrest came after a thorough investigation by the local authorities, who discovered evidence pointing to her negligence in properly identifying the mushrooms.
The community is left in shock as they grapple with the devastating loss of three beloved family members.
