The only survivor of a deadly family lunch involving toxic mushrooms delivered a gripping testimony at a high-profile court case in Australia, describing the traumatic sequence of events that left three people dead and himself critically ill. Ian Wilkinson, a local pastor, took the stand on Tuesday to share his recollections of the lunch hosted by Erin Patterson, who now stands trial for the alleged murder of three individuals and the attempted murder of a fourth.
Wilkinson and his wife, Heather, had accepted an invitation to attend a lunch at Patterson’s home, expressing happiness at the prospect of strengthening their relationship with her. The gathering, which included Erin Patterson, her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, and Heather Wilkinson, centered around a meal of beef Wellington, mashed potatoes, and green beans. According to Wilkinson’s account, Erin Patterson had personally plated each dish, serving each guest individually. He noted a distinct difference in the plates used—while all guests were served on grey plates, Patterson ate from a noticeably different orange-tinted one.
The meal would have tragic consequences. Within hours, all four guests who had consumed the dish began experiencing severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Heather Wilkinson, Don Patterson, and Gail Patterson later died in the hospital, while Ian Wilkinson spent seven weeks receiving intensive medical treatment, including three weeks in the ICU at Austin Hospital in Melbourne.
Initially treated for food poisoning, Wilkinson said that doctors suspected the meat might be the source. However, the following day, hospital staff rushed him and his wife to urgent care upon learning that their symptoms were consistent with mushroom poisoning. A doctor candidly informed them of the severity of their condition and the time-sensitive nature of available treatment. They were later transferred to Dandenong Hospital for further care.
During his testimony, Wilkinson confirmed that both he and his wife consumed their entire meals and that Don had even eaten some of Gail’s portion. Although Erin Patterson also appeared to be eating, Wilkinson could not confirm the quantity she consumed. He described the lunch in detail, including a dessert of cake and fruit that was mostly untouched due to the richness of the main course.
The court was also presented with Heather Wilkinson’s diary, in which she had penciled in “Erin for lunch” and noted the time and a reference to the fruit platter they brought. Wilkinson stated that they extended the invitation at church, and he believed this gesture may have signaled a chance to strengthen ties with Patterson.
Wilkinson also recounted a puzzling post-lunch conversation in which Erin Patterson revealed she had been diagnosed with a serious form of cancer. She expressed anxiety about informing her children and sought the couple’s advice on how to proceed. Wilkinson recalled feeling that the true reason for the lunch may have been to offer Patterson emotional support.
The court heard that Patterson had lied to authorities’ multiple times, but her defense argues that the incident was a tragic accident rather than a deliberate act. Her lawyers argued that she panicked after unknowingly serving a poisonous meal to her loved ones.
Additional testimony was provided by members of a true crime Facebook group that Patterson was active in. Witnesses revealed she had previously discussed her relationship with her estranged husband, Simon, characterizing him as controlling. They also testified about Patterson’s interest in mushroom preparation, including her use of a dehydrator to dry mushrooms and her admission to hiding powdered mushrooms in various dishes to mask their taste.
The prosecution maintains that the central issue is not the presence of death cap mushrooms in the meal—a fact undisputed by both sides—but whether Erin Patterson had intended to cause harm. As the trial continues, the court seeks to determine whether the incident was, in fact, a premeditated act or a deeply unfortunate accident.
