On December 16, 2023, Netflix will premiere “Death Cap: The Mushroom Murders,” a true crime documentary. The film revisits the chilling case of Erin Patterson, an Australian convicted of murdering three relatives and attempting to murder a fourth in 2023. The murders, linked to a dish containing toxic death cap mushrooms, captured international attention during the summer of that year.
Background of the Case
Erin Patterson invited her in-laws to a luncheon on July 29, 2023, at her home in Leongatha, Victoria. She served individual beef Wellingtons but secretly included Amanita phalloides, commonly known as death cap mushrooms. Her guests included:
- Don Patterson, 70
- Gail Patterson, 70
- Heather Wilkinson, 66
- Ian Wilkinson, 69
While Patterson aimed to mend family bonds amid her estrangement from husband Simon Patterson, the gathering turned tragic. By the next day, all four were hospitalized with suspected gastroenteritis. Despite exhibiting symptoms, Erin refused hospital admission.
Tragic Outcomes
Gail and Heather died five days after the dinner, while Don passed away on August 5, despite receiving a liver transplant. Ian survived after a lengthy hospital stay. Medical professionals quickly suspected foul play when Patterson’s symptoms didn’t match those of the affected guests.
Investigation Repercussions
Dr. Chris Webster, who treated the victims, noted suspicious behavior from Patterson, particularly her claim that the mushrooms came from a reputable supermarket. When she left the hospital against medical advice, it heightened concerns about her involvement.
Patterson’s True Crime Obsession
The case took on added intrigue due to Patterson’s fascination with true crime. Previously known for her role in online discussions about unsolved crimes, her apprehension transformed her into a subject of intrigue herself, drawing widespread media coverage.
Legal Proceedings
Erin Patterson was arrested on November 2, 2023, and faced three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder, including one against her estranged husband. In April 2025, following a jury trial in Victoria’s Supreme Court, she pleaded not guilty. However, she was sentenced to three consecutive life terms plus an additional 25 years, marking one of the longest sentences for a female offender in Australia.
Current Status
Erin Patterson, now 51, is incarcerated at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre in Melbourne, where she will be eligible for parole in 2056. Reports state that Patterson has appealed her convictions, yet her criminal notoriety is expected to persevere for years, as noted by Justice Beale during her sentencing. The case remains a cautionary tale about the dark side of family dynamics and the sensationalism surrounding true crime.
As the documentary “Death Cap: The Mushroom Murders” approaches its release, it promises to delve into the depths of a case that both shocked a nation and left a lasting impact on its community.
