News
Erin Patterson found GUILTY in triple murder mushroom trial
Erin Patterson’s trial jury has reached verdicts in her triple murder case over a fatal mushroom lunch.
Erin Patterson’s trial jury has reached verdicts in her triple murder case over a fatal mushroom lunch.
Erin Patterson is on trial for allegedly murdering her in-laws by serving a toxic meal containing death cap mushrooms. The jury has reached verdicts, with updates on the case expected soon.
Erin Patterson has been found guilty for triple murder and attempted murder related to a beef Wellington lunch served to her in-laws in regional Australia. The charges stem from a gathering held on 29 July 2023, where a beef Wellington meal allegedly contained death cap mushrooms.
Patterson, 50, has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
A jury of 12 has found her guilty of murdering the three people who attended the lunch.
Ms Patterson is now a convicted triple murderer and attempted murderer. She wore her signature paisley.shirt and sat stony faced as the jury entered the court room.
She remained expressionless as the forewoman softly said “guilty” in response to each charge. Ms Patterson watched and blinked heavily as the jury left the courtroom.
About 50 people sat in the gallery as the jury foreperson announced the verdicts about 2.18pm, but no members of the Patterson or Wilkinson families were present.
Justice Beale thanked the jurors for their time.
“You’ve been an exceptional jury,” he said. “The way you’ve conducted yourself throughout this trial has caught my attention.”
This trial draws significant attention as the circumstances surrounding the mushroom lunch have raised questions about intent and accountability.
Latrobe Valley Law Court where the court case was heard.
Court case
Erin Patterson, 50, has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one of attempted murder, stemming from a beef Wellington lunch she hosted at her Leongatha home in regional Victoria in July 2023.
The prosecution alleges Patterson laced the meal with deadly death cap mushrooms, knowingly poisoning her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, all of whom died. Heather’s husband, local pastor Ian Wilkinson, was the only survivor, spending weeks in an induced coma. Patterson’s estranged husband Simon, who had been invited to the lunch, did not attend.
During the trial, Crown prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC painted Patterson as deceitful and manipulative, accusing her of lying to police, doctors, and even family members — including faking a cancer diagnosis — to orchestrate the fatal lunch. “She has told lies upon lies because she knew the truth would implicate her,” Rogers told the court, dismissing Patterson’s claim it was all a terrible accident.
Defence case
The defence urged the jury to focus on the lack of motive. Patterson, they argued, had no reason to harm people she loved. Taking the stand as the sole defence witness, Patterson said she may have accidentally used a mix of store-bought and foraged mushrooms from her pantry.
She admitted to making false statements, including the cancer lie, but said they stemmed from personal shame and panic – not a murderous intent.
Defence barrister Colin Mandy SC told jurors the case was being built on assumptions, with prosecutors trying to “stretch” evidence to fit a preconceived narrative. “This is not a court of moral judgment,” he said.
Justice Christopher Beale, in his final instructions to the jury last Monday, reminded the panel that while Patterson had told lies, that alone was not proof of guilt.
“There are all sorts of reasons why a person might behave in a way that makes them look guilty,” he said, urging jurors to keep emotion out of their deliberations despite the tragic outcome for both the Patterson and Wilkinson families.
News
AI stocks surge amid market shifts and spending warnings
AI sector drives economic growth; Meta adjusts strategy, Palantir’s valuation sparks questions, and Nvidia leads amid rising competition.
AI sector drives economic growth; Meta adjusts strategy, Palantir’s valuation sparks questions, and Nvidia leads amid rising competition.
The artificial intelligence sector continues to be a major driver of growth for both the U.S. and global economies. Companies at the forefront of AI innovation are influencing market trends and reshaping industries worldwide.
Meta’s stock has rebounded slightly following reports of potential cost-cutting measures and job reductions in its Reality Labs division. Investors are watching closely as the company adjusts its strategy to manage rising expenses and optimize innovation.
Palantir is trading at over 120 times forward sales and 180 times forward earnings, signaling investor confidence but also raising questions about valuation risks. Meanwhile, Nvidia maintains a market cap of $4.2 trillion as a leading AI chip supplier, yet competition is ramping up.
These moves highlight the growing tension between tech giants’ AI ambitions and the practical need to balance profits with heavy R&D spending.
Some analysts, however, warn that rapid growth may not be sustainable, with current levels of AI-related spending potentially overshooting realistic returns.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker
#AIStocks #TechInvesting #Nvidia #Meta #Palantir #ArtificialIntelligence #StockMarket #TickerNews
News
AI investments set to surge in 2026 as companies target productivity gains
Analysts forecast $500 billion AI investment by 2026, transforming corporate spending priorities and enhancing economic productivity.
Analysts forecast $500 billion AI investment by 2026, transforming corporate spending priorities and enhancing economic productivity.
Analysts predict that artificial intelligence companies could invest over $500 billion in 2026, signaling a major shift in corporate spending priorities. This surge in capital allocation comes as businesses look to harness AI to drive growth and efficiency across multiple sectors.
Following strong third-quarter earnings, overall capital spending estimates for 2026 have been revised upward. However, investors are becoming more selective, focusing on companies that can clearly demonstrate revenue benefits from their AI investments, separating hype from tangible results.
AI adoption is expected to boost economic productivity, with significant investment already flowing into AI infrastructure such as semiconductors and data centres. The coming year could redefine how companies leverage technology to gain a competitive edge.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker
#AIInvestment #TechGrowth #FutureEconomy #DataCenters #Semiconductors #ArtificialIntelligence #ProductivityBoost #CapitalSpending
News
Stocks, AI and the economy: What to expect in 2026
2025’s market turmoil analyzed: AI hype, tariffs, global politics, and Federal Reserve impacts—tune in for expert insights!
2025’s market turmoil analyzed: AI hype, tariffs, global politics, and Federal Reserve impacts—tune in for expert insights!
2025 has been a rollercoaster for investors, with AI hype, tariffs, and global politics shaking up markets. We break down what these trends mean for your portfolio and the risks ahead.
Joining us for insights is Kyle Rodda from Capital.com, who explains how Treasury yields, unemployment data, and inflation readings are shaping investor sentiment. We also dive into what the Federal Reserve’s recent moves could mean for 2026.
From the potential impact of a 43-day government shutdown to payroll numbers and market expectations, this episode gives you the clarity you need to navigate the next year in stocks.
Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker
#StockMarket #Investing2026 #AIStocks #FederalReserve #EconomyWatch #MarketTrends #FinanceNews #TreasuryYields
-
News2 days agoWarner rejects Paramount’s hostile takeover bid
-
Shows2 days ago
James Bozinovski: Reshaping retail with innovative strategies
-
News4 days ago
AI surges in 2025: Key insights
-
News3 days ago
Supreme Court upholds TikTok ban: Free speech at risk?
-
News1 day ago
AI stocks surge amid market shifts and spending warnings
-
News4 days ago
RBA outlook and Australian equities in 2026: Commodities, rate cuts, and top sectors
-
News4 days ago
Albanese rejects super tax push amid political tensions
-
News4 days ago
Bondi terror attack shocks Australia as ASIO-linked gunman comes into focus
