Forensic psychologists highlight a major ‘red flag’ in the deadly mushroom case

A forensic psychologist with years of experience has uncovered a number of potential ‘red flags’ everywhere in a case that left three people dead from suspected mushroom poisoning.

On July 29, Erin Patterson cooked a beef wellington lunch at her Victorian home for her ex-in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, along with Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson and husband Ian Wilkinson.

However, the lunch takes a deadly turn when Don, Gail, and Heather all die after eating the meal, which is suspected to contain death cap mushrooms.

Patterson’s ex-husband, Simon, was supposed to be at lunch but had to step out at the last minute.

Now, an expert forensic psychologist believes there are several things that do not fit.

Although police have only said Erin Patterson is a suspect, and have not stated that she deliberately tried to poison her in-laws, experienced psychologist Tim Watson-Munro says there are a number of odd elements that need to be investigated.

Speak to AustraliaWatson-Munro, who has tried to catch some of Australia’s biggest criminals, stated: “I don’t really believe in coincidences.”

Number one red flag

The first red flag she highlighted was that Patterson’s ex-husband nearly died twice in 2022 from stomach-related complications.

Simon spent 21 days in intensive care after collapsing from a mysterious stomach ailment at his home, where his friends and family were asked to come and say goodbye if he died.

That Herald Sun reported a family friend saying Simon was feeling “a bit unwell” and the illnesses “often coincided [with] when he spends time with her [Erin]”.

In the police statement regarding July’s death, Patterson also questioned himself whether he poisoned Simon’s parents and aunt.

“Obviously, he was poisoned on purpose or just bad luck,” Watson-Munro told The Guardian Australia.

Red flag number two

Watson-Munro was not convinced by Patterson’s statement that he admitted to buying mushrooms at an unnamed Asian supermarket.

In his view, he believes his claim sounds “ridiculous” because the death cap mushroom is not a commercial product.

He said: “People don’t sell it at retail. It’s not too loose.”

Red flag number three

Patterson revealed in a follow-up statement to police that his children were not present at the lunch, despite initial reports.

He admits they were at a movie theater, but eats his leftovers the next day.

Watson-Munro believes it is “strange” for children to be out at family lunches.

Watson-Munro said police would be looking for weak points and the slow and steady approach would be tactical. He said: “This is an interesting case. Everyone’s talking about it.”

Another controversial part of the case is the details surrounding the disposal of the food dehydrator.

A police statement by Patterson was reportedly leaked to the media, revealing he had become unwell after eating.

She admitted that she then dumped the dryer she used to prepare food at the nearby end soon after because she panicked.

However, he admits to lying to police about how long it took him to dispose of the dehydrator.

He told them he dumped it there “a long time ago”, before revealing he did it after his guest fell ill.

She now claims she was in the hospital with her children “having a discussion about food hydrators” when her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, asked: “Is that what you used to poison them?”

He denies any wrongdoing.

Earlier this month, a person close to the family said Patterson was an “experienced mushroom explorer”.

According to Australian Daily MailPatterson is known for frequenting and expertly picking wild mushrooms around Victoria’s Gippsland area.

A friend of the Patterson family revealed that Erin is “very good at foraging” and identifying different varieties of mushrooms.

“The Pattersons (including Erin and her estranged husband, Simon) would pick mushrooms every year when they were in season,” says the friend.

A paramedic treating one of the dying victims was so concerned about their last conversation that they relayed the details to detectives.

That Herald Sun citing a source close to the investigation as saying ambulance officials felt the need to make police aware of what was said, although details have yet to be announced.

Patterson recently denied leaking previous statements to police and criticized media coverage of the case.

“I lost my in-laws, my children lost their grandparents. And I was portrayed as an evil witch,” Patterson told The Guardian Australia.

“And the media makes it impossible for me to live in this city. I can’t invite friends.

“The media is in the house where my children are. The media is at my sister’s house, so I can’t go there. This is not fair.”

He said he did not divulge his police statement. “I didn’t make any statement,” he said Australia.

“I don’t know how it could happen. I made a statement to the police.”

Patterson has not been charged but has been interviewed by police.

The investigation continues.