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INFAMOUS: The Mushroom Cap Murders

In 2023, 48-year-old Erin Patterson invited a group of her husband’s family members over, and things took a turn for the worst, and by the worst, we mean murder. Patterson has been convicted of murdering three people, and one attempted murder after poisoning them with mushrooms served over a nice dinner. But some questions still remain, how did she go from loving mother to mass murderer and WHY?

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Timeline:

July 16, 2023
July 16, 2023

Erin invites her estranged husband Simon, Simon’s parents Gail and Don, and Simon’s aunt and uncle Heather and Ian, to lunch at Erin’s house in the following weeks.

July 28, 2023
July 28, 2023

Simon texts Erin saying that he will not be attending the lunch tomorrow.

July 29, 2023
July 29, 2023

Erin, Gail, Don, Heather and Ian attend the lunch.

July 30, 2023
July 30, 2023

Gail, Don, Heather and Ian are all admitted to the hospital at various points of the day with what they believe to be food poisoning.

From footage on a gas station CCTV, Erin is seen going into a bathroom for nine seconds and then leaving.

July 31, 2023
July 31, 2023

Erin goes to the hospital to get checked out and then discharges herself against medical advice.

August 4, 2023
August 4, 2023

Heather and Gail pass away from altered liver function and multiple organ failure.

August 5, 2023
August 5, 2023

Don passes away from altered liver function and multiple organ failure.

September 23, 2023
September 23, 2023

Ian is discharged from the hospital after spending weeks in the ICU.

April 29, 2025
April 29, 2025

Erin’s trial begins.

July 7, 2025
July 7, 2025

Erin is found guilty of three charges of murder and one charge of attempted murder.

Leongatha, AUS

Where Erin lived.

Korumburra, AUS

Where the in-laws lived.

Korumburra Baptist Church

The church that the families attended and where Ian served as pastor.

Leongatha Hospital

The hospital where Erin goes for a checkup.

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If you’re a law enforcement agency or family member of one of the people we mentioned in this episode, or if you’re looking for more coverage on a case, please reach out. You can email us at:

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