The case of Erin Patterson, accused of killing three with poisonous Beef Wellington, has gripped the nation.
The trial of a lady accused of murdering three aged folks after serving them toxic mushrooms for lunch has begun in Australia.
Erin Patterson, 50, faces trial by jury at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court docket within the state of Victoria in southeastern Australia, after she allegedly served up Beef Wellington laced with poisonous mushrooms to 4 company – together with her estranged in-laws – in 2023.
Three of the quartet didn’t survive and Patterson is charged with the murders of her mother-in-law Gail Patterson, father-in-law Donald Patterson, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson.
Prosecutors have dropped fees relating to the tried homicide of Ian Wilkinson, Heather’s husband, who recovered after almost two months in hospital in Leongatha, a city of about 6,000 folks some 135km (85 miles) from Melbourne.
Patterson has pleaded not responsible on all counts.
Jury choice started on the courtroom on Tuesday. Opening arguments within the case, which has gripped Australia and made headlines internationally, are anticipated to start on Wednesday morning.
The case has generated a string of podcasts and even a tv documentary sequence on Australian streaming service Stan.
Six seats within the courtroom reserved for media are being allotted in a day by day poll. Dozens extra are anticipated to look at proceedings in an overflow room arrange on the courtroom.
Whereas the courtroom is open to the general public, the case won’t be televised. The trial is anticipated to run for 5 to 6 weeks.
Victoria’s Supreme Court docket has imposed strict pointers on reporting concerning the case to make sure a good trial.
