Korumburra Baptist Church Leadership Team left a message posted outside the church this afternoon.

It comes one day after mushroom cook Erin Patterson was found guilty of killing all three people using death cap mushroom-laced beef Wellingtons, which she served to them in a poisoned lunch in July 2023.

“We all greatly miss Heather, Don and Gail, whether we were friends for a short time or over 20 years,” the message reads.

“They were very special people who loved God and loved to bless others.”

“It’s been a long journey, and we continue to lovingly support lan, Simon, and all the Wilkinson and Patterson family members through this difficult time.

“We appreciate all the care from our local communities, special support from individuals and from the Baptist Union of Victoria, and the churches and people from all over the world who have been praying for us.

“As our Pastor lan has said, “Life can be hard, but God is faithful, and He is always with us”.

“The Wilkinson and Patterson families have asked that people respect their privacy at this time. Please also respect the privacy of our church family.”

Don Patterson and Gail Patterson were both 70 years old. Heather Wilkinson was 66. 

The marathon trial ended yesterday with a triple murder conviction for Patterson, aged 50.

The jury’s guilty verdicts came seven days after they were sent away to deliberate and 11 weeks into the trial in the Victorian town of Morwell.

She was also found guilty of the attempted murder of Ian Wilkinson, who miraculously survived the poisoned lunch.