ABC News Daily Why there’s no motive in the mushroom murder trial
May 7, 2025
Rachael Brown, an investigative and true crime reporter at ABC, joins to share gripping insights from the mushroom murder trial involving Erin Patterson. The courtroom drama unfolds as sole survivor Ian Wilkinson recounts the deadly lunch that led to three tragic fatalities. Brown reveals the strange absence of motive in the prosecution's case, despite damning evidence of mushroom poisoning. Listeners are drawn into Erin's complex relationships and her chilling culinary passions, making this case a haunting tale of trust turned toxic.
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Sole Survivor Ian Wilkinson's Testimony
- Pastor Ian Wilkinson was the only surviving guest at the deadly beef Wellington lunch.
- He described the meal details, the illness onset, and the aftermath including his wife's death.
Ex-Husband Simon's Testimony
- Simon Patterson was invited but did not attend the lunch due to discomfort.
- Their tense relationship involved disputes over child support and tax declarations.
Erin's Online Friendship and Mushroom Use
- Erin Patterson befriended women online, discussing cooking and personal issues.
- She hid powdered mushrooms in food and discussed tensions with her ex-husband.