Woman suspected of killing three family members with toxic mushrooms accused of poisoning ex-husband

The woman suspected of killing three family members with toxic mushrooms has been accused of previously poisoning her ex-husband.

Erin Patterson, from Victoria, Australia, recently held a family lunch at her home, having invited former in-laws Gail and Don Patterson, both 70, as well as Mrs Patterson's sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66, and her husband Reverend Ian Wilkinson, 68, to the beef wellington meal.

But tragedy struck when all four guests fell ill, with Mrs Wilkinson and Mrs Patterson both passing away on 5 August, followed by Mr Patterson the following day.

Mr Wilkinson is still in hospital and is said to be in a critical condition while he awaits a liver transplant.

Ms Patterson and her two kids, however, did not fall ill, with the children said to have eaten a different meal.

After determining that all four guests had consumed poisonous mushrooms known as death caps during the gathering, police in Victoria have confirmed Ms Patterson has been named as a suspect.

Detective Inspector Dean Thomas explained: "I'm not aware of an investigation where we've had three people die as a result of an apparent food poisoning, whether that be by a mushroom or something else - so yes, it is quite unique.

Nine

"[Ms Patterson] has not presented with any symptoms. So again, that forms part of our investigation whether she did or didn't eat any of the mushrooms or anything else that may have been eaten on that particular day."

As the investigation continues, accusations about Ms Patterson poisoning her ex-husband Simon Patterson have arisen.

Her ex himself shared claims of falling sick with a mystery illness in a post shared on social media, in which he wrote: "I collapsed at home, then was in an induced coma for 16 days through which I had three emergency operations mainly on my small intestine, plus an additional planned operation.

"My family were asked to come and say goodbye to me twice, as I was not expected to live. I was in intensive care for 21 days..."

One of his friends also told the Herald Sun: "Simon suspected he had been poisoned by Erin. There were times he had felt… a bit off and it often coincided when he spent time with her.”

ABC

Ms Patterson's split from her husband has been described as 'amicable', and the suspect remains adamant she did nothing wrong at the lunch last month.

She was interviewed by police but was later released without charge, though she remains a suspect.

Standing outside her home, the 48-year-old pleaded her innocence, claiming she had nothing to do with the strange deaths.

She said: "The loss to the community and to the families and my own children who have lost their grandmother… I just can't fathom what has happened.

"I'm so sorry that they have lost their lives. I just can't believe it. I didn't do anything, I love them and I'm devastated they are gone."