Erin Patterson Arrested In Connection To Fatal Poisonous Mushroom Meal In Gippsland

Homicide Squad detectives have arrested Erin Patterson, the woman who is associated with the toxic mushroom meal that tragically claimed the lives of three people in Gippsland, Victoria.

The Age reports that the 48-year-old has been arrested and taken to Wonthaggi police station for questioning on Thursday morning.

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Authorities are presently conducting a search at Ms Patterson’s residence in Leongatha, the location where the fatal family meal occurred on July 29.

Heather Wilkinson, aged 66, Gail Patterson, aged 70, and Don Patterson, also 70, tragically passed away in the hospital a few days following the incident. Ian Wilkinson, 68, was discharged from Austin Hospital after a seven-week treatment period. 

“A search warrant has been executed at the Gibson Street address, with assistance from the AFP (Australian Federal Police)’s technology detector dogs.” police said in a statement.

“The woman will now be interviewed by police and the investigation remains ongoing.”

Earlier, authorities identified Patterson, the former spouse of Simon Patterson, the Pattersons’ son, as a suspect due to her role in preparing the meals. 

Patterson has denied any allegations of wrongdoing, stating an inability to explain how the meal led to the illnesses and fatalities experienced by the group.

Police have indicated that the group is suspected of consuming death cap mushrooms, and they have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

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