The Mushroom Murder Trial: Erin Patterson’s True Crimes

Mushroom Murder Trial Crime | Australian True Crime
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The Mushroom Murder Trial Podcast delves into the case of Erin Patterson and delivers on-the-spot coverage of one of Australia’s most prominent criminal trials. Follow us as we take you through this shocking and devastating Australian True Crime. The story starts in Morwell, a town in southeastern Victoria, where the beef wellington meal takes place of an average Saturday afternoon. We also follow the trial as the Department of Public Prosecutions versus Erin Trudi Patterson unfolds. The hearings were taking place at the La Trobe Magistrates’ Court, located about 152 kilometres east of Melbourne, the state’s capital.   The Mushroom Murder Trial Podcast follows the tragedy as it moves through the Australian legal system, examining the tragic aftermath of a family lunch involving Beef Wellington and mushrooms.  Ms Erin Patterson was pleading not guilty to all charges, which were being run under the direction of The Supreme Court of Victoria. She faced three murder charges and one attempted murder allegation following the deaths after the 29 July 2023 family lunch.  This is an absolutely shocking story of Australian True Crime. The Mushroom Murder Trial Podcast will examine this tragedy as it makes its way through the Australian legal system and beyond. Ms Erin Patterson, aged 50, from Leongatha, was a trainee mathematics teacher before this tragic incident. She now lives in a maximum security prison in Melbourne. Subscribe to our Mushroom Murder Trial Podcast newsletter at www.mushroommurdertrial.com for regular updates and exclusive insights. Follow us on Instagram @Erin_pod and find us on Insta by searching for the Mushroom Murder Trial Podcast.  🔒 Subscribe 🔍 🎧 Subscribe now and stay one step ahead.

  1. 4d ago

    Erin Patterson Appeal: Mushroom Murder Trial Conviction and Sentence Challenged

    The Erin Patterson matter is before the Victorian Court of Appeal this week, in the form of two major challenges to the outcome of Australia’s infamous mushroom murder trial. In this episode of The Mushroom Murder Trial Podcast, we examine the Department of Prosecutions (DPP) appeal against Erin Patterson’s sentence and Patterson’s own appeal against her convictions for murdering Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson, and attempting to murder Ian Wilkinson, after a deadly July 2023 family lunch involving death cap mushrooms. Patterson was sentenced to life imprisonment with a 33-year non-parole period. The DPP argues the sentence was too lenient, while Patterson maintains her innocence and has appealed her convictions on seven grounds, including claims concerning the prosecution’s closing address, cross-examination, cell tower evidence, death cap mushroom evidence and the jury’s sequestration arrangements. The Court of Appeal will hear the matters in Melbourne on Wednesday and Thursday. We also provide an update on the podcaster’s separate investigation into Virginia Giuffre, Jeffrey Epstein’s most prominent Australian survivor, and asks whether Australia failed to protect her before her death in April 2025. Find out how you can support that project for free - plus help with ideas including future petitions and letters to parliamentarians and other calls for transparency — at the end of the episode. Find out here for free why the project is important. Topics: Erin Patterson, mushroom murder trial, death cap mushrooms, Erin Patterson appeal, Victorian Court of Appeal, DPP appeal, appeal against conviction, Don Patterson, Gail Patterson, Heather Wilkinson, Ian Wilkinson, Virginia Giuffre, Jeffrey Epstein, Australia. The Mushroom Murder Trial Podcast is hosted by investigative journalist Lisa Tait. Support the show Mushroom Murder Trial YouTube Twitter @lisapodcasts My free Substack YouTube Virginia Giuffre

  2. 10/17/2025

    Erin Patterson: Lock Her Up and Throw Away the Key?

    Although Erin Patterson’s actions against her family were monstrous, her treatment in custody raises hard questions about the ethics of punishment.  Solitary confinement doesn’t deliver justice — it destroys people.  In this episode of The Mushroom Murder Trial Podcast, we unpack the hidden reality of isolation inside Australian prisons and examine why decency must still have a place, even when dealing with the infamous like Erin Patterson. Ms Patterson has been in isolation in Victoria for more than 400 days since she was arrested. More information: Website www.mushroommurdertrial.com #ErinPatterson #MushroomMurders #UnderFirePodcast #TrueCrimeAustralia #AustralianTrueCrime #JusticeInAustralia #ErinPattersonCase #SolitaryConfinement #PrisonReform #JusticeNotCruelty #HumanRights #MentalHealthInPrison #EthicsAndJustice #PunishmentOrTorture #PrisonConditions #TrueCrimeCommunity #CrimePodcast #TrueCrimeDiscussion #TrueCrimeObsessed #CrimeAndJustice #LawAndMorality #InsideAustralianPrisons Support the show Mushroom Murder Trial YouTube Twitter @lisapodcasts My free Substack YouTube Virginia Giuffre

  3. 10/08/2025

    Deadly Mushrooms and Legal Battles: Following Erin Patterson’s Appeal

    🚨Prosecutors in Victoria are now appealing against the mushroom murderer’s sentence, arguing it was — quote — “manifestly inadequate.” Erin Patterson, aged 51, was jailed for life last month with a non-parole period of 33 years. That means she’ll be well into her eighties before she can even apply for parole. This is one of the longest sentences ever handed to a female offender in Australian history. But the department of Public Prosecutions has confirmed it’s not satisfied with the sentence. Prosecutors this week filed an appeal, saying it was simply too lenient given the nature of Patterson’s crimes — the deliberate poisoning of her in-laws. Meanwhile, we've also learned from Patterson’s legal team that she planned to appeal her convictions — although, as of now, that hasn’t been formally lodged. 📄 Website: www.mushroommurdertrial.com #erinpatterson #mushroommurders #mushroomkiller #TheMushroomCase #ErinPattersonTrial #erinpattersonupdate #mushroommurderappeal #ErinPattersonSentencing #ErinPattersonNews Support the show Mushroom Murder Trial YouTube Twitter @lisapodcasts My free Substack YouTube Virginia Giuffre

  4. 10/06/2025

    They Said WHAT About Erin Patterson?! Kyle & Jackie O Facing Contempt Risk Over Mushroom Killer

    Australia’s most notorious shock jocks, Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson, are under scrutiny after comments made during Erin Patterson’s mushroom murder trial were under review by prosecutors. Four months on, Victoria’s Office of Public Prosecutions is still weighing potential contempt-of-court charges against the KIIS FM hosts — after Kyle was heard saying “lock that b**h up.”* In this episode, Lisa from The Mushroom Murder Trial Podcast breaks down what’s happening behind the scenes: Why prosecutors haven’t ruled out charges yetWhat counts as contempt of court in AustraliaHow this compares to the $1.1 million media fines from the George Pell caseThe latest on Erin Patterson’s appeal and her life sentence for the mushroom murders of Don and Gail Patterson and Heather WilkinsonBased on reporting by The Guardian Australia’s justice correspondent Nino Bucci. ⚖️ Listen now for a deep dive into media ethics, legal fallout, and the continuing twists in the Mushroom Murder Trial. 🎧 Subscribe for ongoing coverage: www.mushroommurdertrial.com #ErinPatterson #MushroomMurderTrial #KyleAndJackieO #TrueCrimeAustralia #TrueCrimePodcast #mushroomkiller #simonpatterson #mushroomtrial #stanoriginals #truecrimecommunity #courtcase #courttrial Support the show Mushroom Murder Trial YouTube Twitter @lisapodcasts My free Substack YouTube Virginia Giuffre

  5. 10/03/2025

    Australian Legal History in Focus: Department of Public Prosecutions Appeals Erin Patterson’s ‘Manifestly Inadequate’ Sentence

    🚨 In a case making waves in Australian legal history, the Department of Public Prosecutions is appealing the sentence handed to Erin Patterson, the so-called mushroom murderer.  Prosecutors argue the punishment was 'manifestly inadequate' after Patterson, 51, received a life sentence with a 33-year non-parole period—one of the longest ever given to a female offender in Australia.  Why is the Department of Public Prosecutions challenging this already historic sentence, and what could it mean for future cases?  Tune in as we unpack the legal arguments, public reaction, and the broader impact on Australia’s justice system. Erin Patterson, known as the “mushroom murderer”, is lodging an appeal against her convictions for the triple murder of her in‑laws and an attempted murder. 🏛️ In July, Patterson was found guilty of fatally poisoning Don & Gail Patterson and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson by serving beef Wellingtons laced with deadly mushrooms.  📆 She was sentenced to life imprisonment with a 33‑year non‑parole period.  ⚖️ Her new barrister, Richard Edney, has secured a 28‑day extension to file the appeal paperwork in the Victorian Supreme Court. 9News This video dives into: • Erin Patterson’s appealtime constraints • Key facts from the 2023 trial • What’s next in the court process 🔔 If you want the latest updates on true crime, high profile appeals and court cases in Australia, be sure to subscribe and hit the notification bell. #mushroommurdertrial #erinpatterson #mushroomkiller #australiantruecrime #truecrimeaustralia #deathcap #BeefWellington #mushroomsaustralia #mushroommurderer Support the show Mushroom Murder Trial YouTube Twitter @lisapodcasts My free Substack YouTube Virginia Giuffre

  6. 10/01/2025

    Deadly Mushrooms & Legal Appeal: Inside the Erin Patterson Mushroom Poisoning Case

    Erin Patterson is many things, but she's certainly not a master criminal.  Explore how the mushroom killer completely screwed up her cover-up and, at the same time, underestimated police. Dive into the shocking story of deadly mushrooms and the high-stakes legal appeal in the Erin Patterson case.  Dubbed the 'mushroom murderer,' Patterson is challenging her convictions for mushroom poisoning that led to the deaths of Don & Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson.  🏛️ Discover the twists behind her life sentence, the role of her new barrister Richard Edney, and what this legal battle means for future poisoning cases.  Tune in for an in-depth look at how deadly mushrooms sparked one of Australia's most talked-about legal appeals. This episode is an excerpt of Lisa talking about the mushroom trial with Ian and Brad from The Made in Lithgow podcast. Plus we will also update you on a court hearing tomorrow in Melbourne for Ms Patterson. Made in Lithgow Episode #mushroomtrial #erinpatterson #mushroomkiller #truecrimeaustralia #australiantruecrime #mushroommurderer #StanOriginals #CourtAppeal #MurderAppeal #VictorianSupremeCourt #TrueCrimeUpdates #AussieCrime #LifeSentence #TrueCrimeCommunity #MurderTrial #HighProfileCase #TrueCrimeNews Support the show Mushroom Murder Trial YouTube Twitter @lisapodcasts My free Substack YouTube Virginia Giuffre

  7. 09/28/2025

    Mother-Daughter Relationship Unveiled: Heather Scutter, Children's Literature, and the Early Life of Erin Patterson

    Who was Erin Patterson before the mushroom murders shocked Australia?  What shaped Erin Patterson before the mushroom murders rocked Australia?  In this episode, we delve deep into her mother-daughter relationship with Dr Heather Scutter, a renowned children's literature academic at Monash University.  Drawing from Erin’s own testimony and reflections on her upbringing, we examine how children's literature, academic discipline, and family dynamics influenced her formative years.  Was Heather Scutter truly the 'cold robot' Erin claims, or is this just one side of a complex story? Join us as we uncover the hidden narratives behind Erin Patterson’s childhood and the powerful role of her mother in shaping her path.In this episode, we look beyond the headlines into her childhood and her relationship with her mother, Dr Heather Scutter—a respected children’s literature academic at Monash University. Through Erin’s own testimony and claims about her upbringing, we explore how stories, intellect, and discipline shaped her early life. Was her mother truly the “cold robot” Erin described, or is this just part of the killer’s narrative? Drawing on Heather Scutter’s published work, her academic legacy, and court records, we investigate the blurred lines between truth, memory, and deception. This episode examines the psychological underpinnings of Erin Patterson’s resentment, control, and need to author her own story—asking whether her childhood experiences influenced the path that ended in the deadly mushroom lunch. Uncover Erin Patterson’s childhood and her fraught relationship with academic mother Heather Scutter. Was the mushroom killer shaped by stories, discipline—or her own deception? #truecrimecommunity #erinpatterson #stanoriginals #truecrimeaustralia #truecrimecommunity #truecrimestories #truecrimepodcast #mushroommurders #news #mushroomtrial #courtroomdrama #courtcase  #deathcapmushrooms #courtroomdrama #australiancrime #stantv #heatherscutter Support the show Mushroom Murder Trial YouTube Twitter @lisapodcasts My free Substack YouTube Virginia Giuffre

  8. 09/16/2025

    True Crime Unveiled: Erin Patterson, Mushroom Poisoning, and the Supreme Court of Victoria

    In Part Two of Inside Keep Keli Lane Behind Bars, we delve deeper into the true crime story that has captivated our community: Erin Patterson and the infamous mushroom poisoning case.  Erin was once a prominent member of our true crime Facebook group, known for her keen insights and passion for justice.  But the Erin Patterson we interacted with online seemed worlds apart from the woman who faced trial for murder in the Supreme Court of Victoria. Was her self-obsession and manipulation a sign of something darker?  Join us as we explore the complex layers of this case, uncovering how a trusted voice in our group became the central figure in one of Australia's most shocking true crime sagas. This is Part Two of Inside Keep Keli Lane Behind Bars. Erin Patterson appeared to demonstrate some traits common amongst convicted poisoners. For a start, the self-obsession and the manipulation. But the Erin Patterson we thought we knew and the Erin Patterson who stood trial for murder seemed like two entirely different people. On one hand, she was a key figure in our true crime group, someone who shared our passion for seeking the truth.  Inside The Supreme Court of Victoria, Erin could be seen on video, sitting back in her government-issued chair and treating everyone in the pre-trial hearings as disposable. Yes, this was a criminal case, and I know she needed to throw everything she had at it, but just like in the original true crime group, Erin was creating drama and trying to pitt people against each other.  In 2019, we crossed paths in a Facebook true crime group while investigating the Kelly Lane child killer case. Back then, Erin seemed like just another mum fascinated by crime. Today, she is convicted of murder and attempted murder after serving a fatal Beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms at a family lunch in Leongatha. This podcast takes you behind the headlines and into the online world where Erin thrived. From hidden Facebook identities to fractured friendships, from her obsession with serial killers like Ivan Milat to her role in amateur sleuth groups, we uncover the digital breadcrumbs that foreshadowed her descent into darkness. Through court reporting, personal insights, and analysis of social media crime culture, you’ll hear how a seemingly ordinary woman’s obsession blurred into real life — with deadly consequences. 👉 Subscribe now for forensic deep-dives, exclusive trial coverage (https:www.mushroommurdertrial.com.au) , and untold stories about Erin Patterson and the Mushroom Murders. Sorry, the audio glitches in parts. I had to do a very precise edit due to the harassment I am receiving for reporting this case.  #ErinPatterson #MushroomMurders #MushroomKiller #Leongathadeaths #deathcapmushrooms #KeliLanecase #IvanMilat #truecrimeAustralia #murdertrialpodcast #Facebooktruecrimegroups #stantv  #deathcap  #stanoriginals  Support the show (https://www.buzzsprout.com/2333370/support)  Instagram @Erin_Podcast Twitter @lisapodcasts Mushroom Murder Trial Website (https://www.mushroommurdertrial.com/) Support the show Mushroom Murder Trial YouTube Twitter @lisapodcasts My free Substack YouTube Virginia Giuffre

    True Crime Unveiled: Erin Patterson, Mushroom Poisoning, and the Supreme Court of Victoria
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The Mushroom Murder Trial Podcast delves into the case of Erin Patterson and delivers on-the-spot coverage of one of Australia’s most prominent criminal trials. Follow us as we take you through this shocking and devastating Australian True Crime. The story starts in Morwell, a town in southeastern Victoria, where the beef wellington meal takes place of an average Saturday afternoon. We also follow the trial as the Department of Public Prosecutions versus Erin Trudi Patterson unfolds. The hearings were taking place at the La Trobe Magistrates’ Court, located about 152 kilometres east of Melbourne, the state’s capital.   The Mushroom Murder Trial Podcast follows the tragedy as it moves through the Australian legal system, examining the tragic aftermath of a family lunch involving Beef Wellington and mushrooms.  Ms Erin Patterson was pleading not guilty to all charges, which were being run under the direction of The Supreme Court of Victoria. She faced three murder charges and one attempted murder allegation following the deaths after the 29 July 2023 family lunch.  This is an absolutely shocking story of Australian True Crime. The Mushroom Murder Trial Podcast will examine this tragedy as it makes its way through the Australian legal system and beyond. Ms Erin Patterson, aged 50, from Leongatha, was a trainee mathematics teacher before this tragic incident. She now lives in a maximum security prison in Melbourne. Subscribe to our Mushroom Murder Trial Podcast newsletter at www.mushroommurdertrial.com for regular updates and exclusive insights. Follow us on Instagram @Erin_pod and find us on Insta by searching for the Mushroom Murder Trial Podcast.  🔒 Subscribe 🔍 🎧 Subscribe now and stay one step ahead.

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