Woman on trial for poison mushroom killings says she was trying to fix
CBSMAY 23
Australian Mushroom Murder Trial: Defendant Acknowledges Mushroom Evidence
Above: Member of Erin Patterson’s legal team, Barrister Sophie Stafford, departs Latrobe Valley Law courts on June 3, 2025, in Morwell, Australia. Image copyright: Asanka Ratnayake/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative B
While Erin Patterson will remain innocent until proven guilty, the physical evidence is damning, and now she's admitted to its existence. Phone records place her near death cap mushroom sites before the fatal lunch, suggesting intent. Her emotional narrative sways sympathy, but the prosecution’s meticulous data — tower pings and mushroom sightings — builds a strong case for conviction.
Narrative A
Patterson undoubtedly faces an uphill battle, but her testimony has also revealed the human side of her experience. She spoke candidly of battling low self-esteem, navigating a strained family dynamic, and embracing spirituality after a profound experience. Her emotional recounting of a traumatic childbirth and distant in-laws paints her not just as a defendant, but as a person grappling with personal struggles and loss.