Accused killer Erin Patterson.
Share this @internewscast.com

Prosecutors will continue questioning mushroom cook Erin Patterson as she returns for a fifth day in the witness box at her triple murder trial.

The 50-year-old mother admitted to a number of lies to police on Thursday, as she nears the end of week six on trial before a Supreme Court jury in regional Victoria.

Patterson has entered a plea of not guilty regarding the murders of her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, aged 70, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, aged 66, as well as the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson.

Accused killer Erin Patterson.
Accused killer Erin Patterson. (Anita Lester)

She denies deliberately poisoning her four lunch guests on July 29, 2023 by serving them death cap mushroom-laced beef Wellingtons.

On Thursday, Patterson acknowledged before a jury of 14 that she had lied in her police interview about not owning a dehydrator and never having foraged for wild mushrooms.

She said she had a “stupid knee-jerk reaction to just dig deeper and keep lying” after being informed two lunch guests had died.

“I was just scared, but I shouldn’t have done it,” she told the jury.

Erin Patterson's defence barrister Colin Mandy SC.
Erin Patterson’s defence barrister Colin Mandy SC. (Justin McManus)

During cross-examination, the prosecution focused on Patterson’s falsehoods, accusing her of lying about dehydrating mushrooms because she was aware that the truth could link her to the toxic lunch.

“I agree that I lied because I was afraid I would be held responsible,” Patterson said.

She also admitted she told Gail and Don Patterson she had a lump in her arm and was going to hospital to get it tested, which was untrue.

“They made me feel loved and cared for in the way that they were asking about my health and I didn’t want that to stop, so I just kept going,” she said.

Erin Patterson will have her case heard in Morwell. (Nine)

Prosecutor Nanette Rogers SC accused her of using a “so-called cancer diagnosis” to get her guests to come over for lunch.

“I suggest that you never thought you would have to account for this lie about having cancer because you thought that the lunch guests would die?” the prosecutor asked.

“That’s not true,” Patterson replied.

Patterson will return for a second day of cross-examination on Friday as the trial continues.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Mount Buffalo National Park Reopens Amid Intensified Search for Missing Dezi Freeman

Victoria Police have announced a new taskforce will take the lead in…
SES crews working on a fallen tree.

Brace for Impact: Intense Thunderstorms and Scorching Heatwaves Set to Sweep Across Australia This Weekend

Australia is bracing for a weekend of diverse weather patterns, with a…

Authorities Launch Fresh Investigation into Bowraville Unsolved Murder Case

Warning: this article contains the name of an Aboriginal person who has…
EDS NOTE: OBSCENITY - Protesters block the entrance to Coast Guard Base Alameda shortly after a caravan of U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel arrived on Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Noah Berger)

Tech Titans and City Leaders Sway Trump’s Stance on Federal Intervention in San Francisco

President Donald Trump was initially prepared to deploy federal forces in San…
Louvre museum heist

German Elevator Gains Viral Fame Following Louvre Art Heist Adventure

Photos of a German-made freight lift that the thieves used in a…
While filming The Road, Billie Jo Jones, a contestant from the show told the Daily Mail, 'He definitely pushed personal stuff aside and was all business professional the entire time'

Keith Urban Remains Tight-Lipped About Nicole Kidman Split on New Reality Show ‘The Road,’ Contestant Discloses

Keith Urban remained steadfastly professional during the filming of his new TV…
Keir Starmer, Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Zelenskyy’s Urgent Plea: Rallying European Support in London to Combat Russian Aggression

The meeting hosted by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also due…

Unveiling the $172k Superannuation Benchmark: How Do Australian Balances Measure Up?

The average superannuation balance for Australians has passed $172,000 for the first…
President Donald Trump answers questions from reporters during a roundtable on criminal cartels in the State Dining Room of the White House

Trump Halts Trade Negotiations Over Controversial Ad: A Diplomatic Standoff

US President Donald Trump said late on Thursday that he was ending…
Reagan Foundation drawn into Donald Trump's controversies

Reagan Foundation Caught in the Crossfire: Trump Controversies Unfold

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute finds itself at the center…
Senator Jacqui Lambie addresses the media

Senator Jacqui Lambie Set for Upcoming Spinal Surgery: What You Need to Know

Senator Jacqui Lambie is set to miss the remaining parliamentary sessions of…
Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia Michele Bullock speaks at The Daily Telegraph Future Sydney Bradfield Oration held at the Opera House in Sydney on October 24, 2025.

Leading Banker Uncovers Alarming Financial Threat: Protect Your Money Now

Australia’s top banker says she’s worried about the threat posed to the…