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Full Story The mushroom murders trial begins
May 6, 2025
Nino Bucci, a seasoned courts and justice reporter, dives into the chilling trial of Erin Patterson, accused of poisoning her estranged husband's family with toxic mushrooms. The conversation reveals the tragic details surrounding a seemingly innocent meal of beef Wellington and the courtroom's intense scrutiny over intent versus accident. Bucci discusses emotional witness testimonies, unexpected family dynamics, and the gripping public fascination, painting a vivid picture of a case fraught with tension and heartbreak.
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Patterson Admits Poisoning, Denies Intent
- Erin Patterson admitted to poisoning her guests but denies intent to harm them.
- The prosecution says she fabricated a cancer diagnosis to exclude her children from the meal.
Evidence: Mushroom Foraging and Hiding
- Patterson’s phone records showed visits to areas with death cap mushrooms and social media posts about them.
- She disposed of a dehydrator with her fingerprints containing mushroom traces to conceal her actions.
Defense: Tragic Accident and Panic
- Patterson's lawyer claims the poisoning was accidental and that she lied out of panic afterwards.
- He acknowledges she lied about not owning a dehydrator or foraging mushrooms.