Erin Patterson, facing serious charges including three counts of murder, maintained her innocence in court. She described the meal as a tragic accident, despite evidence presented by prosecutors alleging intentional wrongdoing.
Deadly Mushroom Lunch Chef Claims She Vomited After Toxic Meal

Deadly Mushroom Lunch Chef Claims She Vomited After Toxic Meal
An Australian woman on trial for murder asserts that she too became ill after serving a toxic mushroom lunch that resulted in fatalities.
In her detailed testimony, Patterson explained the circumstances of the fatal lunch, including her emotional struggles, the nature of her dish, and her subsequent reactions following the incident.
Erin Patterson, the woman at the center of a controversial murder trial in Australia, contended in court that she too fell ill after serving a deadly mushroom lunch that resulted in the deaths of three of her guests. Facing charges of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, Patterson has pleaded not guilty, arguing that the toxic meal was an unfortunate accident rather than a malicious act.
During her testimony, Patterson recounted how she had prepared beef Wellington for the lunch at her home in regional Victoria in July 2023. Prosecutors accuse her of intentionally using death cap mushrooms in the dish, claiming she only poisoned her guests. However, Patterson insisted that she threw up after indulging in dessert, primarily a cake, following the meal. This, she argued, showed that she consumed the food as well, although doctors noted that her symptoms were less severe than those who fell critically ill.
The hallowed courtroom has been filled with intrigue as Patterson described her emotional state and motivations behind the lunch gathering. She admitted to fabricating a cancer diagnosis to invite her guests, revealing that her true reason for hosting the meal was to discuss health issues related to her impending weight-loss surgery.
Testifying on the stand, Patterson expressed her deep regret and fear after the incident, including disposing of a food dehydrator she owned and wiping her phone. She described the overwhelming shock of realizing that her guests had consumed poisonous mushrooms, which she had purchased with the intention of enhancing the flavor of her dish.
The aftermath of the meal was tragic, with three guests succumbing to the toxic effects, while a single survivor managed to pull through after extensive medical treatment. As Patterson shares her side of the story, the court proceedings continue to capture global attention, with over 50 witnesses testifying throughout the trial.
With the focus now shifting to prosecutors who will have the opportunity to cross-examine her, Patterson’s ongoing narrative seeks to shed light on her actions during a harrowing time for everyone involved. As the trial unfolds, many questions remain regarding the true circumstances surrounding that fateful lunch.
Erin Patterson, the woman at the center of a controversial murder trial in Australia, contended in court that she too fell ill after serving a deadly mushroom lunch that resulted in the deaths of three of her guests. Facing charges of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, Patterson has pleaded not guilty, arguing that the toxic meal was an unfortunate accident rather than a malicious act.
During her testimony, Patterson recounted how she had prepared beef Wellington for the lunch at her home in regional Victoria in July 2023. Prosecutors accuse her of intentionally using death cap mushrooms in the dish, claiming she only poisoned her guests. However, Patterson insisted that she threw up after indulging in dessert, primarily a cake, following the meal. This, she argued, showed that she consumed the food as well, although doctors noted that her symptoms were less severe than those who fell critically ill.
The hallowed courtroom has been filled with intrigue as Patterson described her emotional state and motivations behind the lunch gathering. She admitted to fabricating a cancer diagnosis to invite her guests, revealing that her true reason for hosting the meal was to discuss health issues related to her impending weight-loss surgery.
Testifying on the stand, Patterson expressed her deep regret and fear after the incident, including disposing of a food dehydrator she owned and wiping her phone. She described the overwhelming shock of realizing that her guests had consumed poisonous mushrooms, which she had purchased with the intention of enhancing the flavor of her dish.
The aftermath of the meal was tragic, with three guests succumbing to the toxic effects, while a single survivor managed to pull through after extensive medical treatment. As Patterson shares her side of the story, the court proceedings continue to capture global attention, with over 50 witnesses testifying throughout the trial.
With the focus now shifting to prosecutors who will have the opportunity to cross-examine her, Patterson’s ongoing narrative seeks to shed light on her actions during a harrowing time for everyone involved. As the trial unfolds, many questions remain regarding the true circumstances surrounding that fateful lunch.