Erin Patterson Cleared of Attempted Murder Charges Against Estranged Husband

In a significant development ahead of her highly publicized trial, accused triple-murderer Erin Patterson has been cleared of three attempted murder charges previously related to her estranged husband, Simon Patterson.

On Tuesday afternoon, Patterson, dressed in a pink-striped shirt and flanked by two guards, made her first formal appearance before a jury of 15—comprising 10 men and 5 women—at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Morwell, roughly 155km from Melbourne.

The jury selection was personally overseen by Patterson, and Justice Christopher Beale later informed them of the prosecution’s decision last week to withdraw the charges involving her ex-husband.

The case centers on a fatal lunch served on July 29, 2023, at Patterson’s home in Leongatha. Her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, along with Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, died after allegedly consuming a beef Wellington laced with toxic mushrooms.

Heather’s husband, Pastor Ian Wilkinson, survived after nearly two months of treatment at Austin Hospital. Patterson still faces one attempted murder charge connected to his poisoning.

Erin Patterson has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder. The trial is expected to last up to six weeks, with 12 of the 15 selected jurors ultimately delivering the verdict after a final ballot excludes three.

On Monday, the courtroom was packed with media personnel as Justice Beale began his procedural directions. He emphasized the importance of rational judgment, instructing the jury to assess the evidence with logic rather than emotion.

True crime podcasters, documentary crews, and more than 50 journalists have arrived in the small town of Morwell, causing a spike in demand for accommodation as far as Traralgon, 13km away.

Patterson is being represented by a legal team led by top barrister Colin Mandy SC, while veteran criminal lawyer Dr. Nanette Rogers will lead the prosecution. The trial continues with opening statements scheduled for Wednesday.