Case Study: 2023 Leongatha Mushroom Poisoning Murders

August 02, 2025

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Context

On July 29, 2023, Erin Patterson hosted a lunch at her home in Leongatha, Victoria, where she served

beef Wellington to guests. Soon after, three attendees died and a fourth was critically ill. Initial

symptoms resembled food poisoning, but the severity prompted extensive medical and police

investigation.

A ten-week Crown trial in the Supreme Court of Victoria began on April 29, 2025. Prosecutors

alleged the dish was laced with death cap mushrooms, confirmed by toxicology. They argued this

was a deliberate act, not accidental. Despite claims of innocence, the jury rejected Patterson's defense.

 Toxicology: Autopsies and victim medical tests revealed the presence of amatoxins (from

death cap mushrooms).

 Menu analysis: Investigators traced the mushroom species to wild sources, not restaurant

suppliers.

 Behavioral & digital trail: Court heard evidence of suspicious conduct—including possible

concealment and misleading statements after the incident.

No explicit motive was proven, but the prosecution suggested pre-existing family tensions and a

suspicious lie Patterson told about having cancer might indicate deliberate intent. However, no clear

financial or personal gain motive was established.

 Trial venue: Supreme Court of Victoria, started April 29, 2025, lasted nine weeks.

 Verdict: On July 7, 2025, the jury found Erin Patterson guilty of three counts of murder

and one count of attempted murder.

 Post-trial: Patterson awaits sentencing. The judge granted a 28-day window for appeal

filings.

This chilling case highlights:

1. Forensic toxicology’s role in detecting rare poisons like death cap mushrooms.

2. The influence of behavioral evidence and witness testimony, even when motive is

ambiguous.

3. Judicial scrutiny: A long, complex trial where jury weighed medical science, psychological

factors, and intentionality.