Erin Patterson, accused of poisoning her ex-husband’s family with a mushroom-laced meal, will appear in court earlier than expected.
Initially set for May 3, her return to the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court was moved after a “special mention” date was scheduled.
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Patterson faces charges related to the deaths of three individuals, including her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, who fell critically ill after consuming a beef wellington dish allegedly tainted with poisonous mushrooms last July.
Ms Patterson, a 49-year-old mother, denies any wrongdoing and is charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder.
Victoria Police will allege that the symptoms experienced by the victims align with poisoning from death cap mushrooms.
Last week, detectives finalised their case against Patterson.
The Magistrates’ Court of Victoria has arranged a remote appearance for Patterson on April 22 for “case management purposes,” preceding her committal mention hearing the following Friday.
Ms Patterson is believed to be accommodated in one of the self-contained units equipped with essential amenities, including a bed, shower, toilet, sink, desk, closet, and potential access to a kitchen.
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