Before being charged with three counts of murder, Erin Patterson, known for her interest in mushrooms, was regarded as a “super sleuth” by true crime enthusiasts on social media, the jury heard.

The 50-year-old Patterson denies accusations of three murders and one attempted murder, related to a toxic beef Wellington meal served in July 2023.

She will face day six of a Supreme Court murder trial at the Latrobe Valley court in Morwell today.

Patterson is accused of killing her parents-in-law, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson.

She is also accused of trying to kill Heather’s husband Ian Wilkinson, the only surviving lunch guest.

Yesterday, three participants from a true crime Facebook community, to which Patterson belonged, testified about their prior interactions with her before the meal incident, in front of a jury of 15.

The group was created to discuss the case of convicted baby killer Keli Lane, but also discussed other cases, politics and to share personal stories.

Christine Hunt, who said she met Patterson online about six years ago, was asked about the accused triple murderer’s reputation in the group.

“She was well known to be able to research and get information quickly from the internet,” she told the jury.

“So she was a bit of a super sleuth in that group.”

Hunt, who gave evidence via video link, said she had four or five phone conversations with Patterson over the years, but they had never met in person.

She said they had discussed Patterson’s relationship with her estranged husband Simon and difficulties with his family.

“She’d used the word ‘coercive’ at times and also that his family were very demanding and that she was really challenged by their demands,” Hunt said.

The trial before Justice Christopher Beale continues.