The Murders of Heather Wilkinson, Don and Gail Patterson and the Attempted Murder of Ian Wilkinson: Erin Patterson (Part 1)

The Murders of Heather Wilkinson, Don and Gail Patterson and the Attempted Murder of Ian Wilkinson: Erin Patterson (Part 1)

From REDRUM true crime by redrumpodcast

April 13, 2026 · 57 min · Episode 298

About this episode

This episode explores the shocking case of a family gathering that turned deadly due to suspected mushroom poisoning.

This is part 1/2. In July 2023, a quiet lunch in rural Leongatha would become the centre of one of the most shocking and disturbing criminal cases in recent Australian history, when 4 guests sat down at the home of Erin Patterson, unaware that the meal placed in front of them would soon leave 3 of them dead and another fighting for their life. What began as a supposed ordinary family gathering, quickly spiralled into a medical emergency that baffled doctors and horrified investigators. Symptoms consistent with deadly mushroom poisoning began to emerge, leading authorities to suspect the involvement of the highly toxic death cap mushroom... one of the most lethal fungi in the world, responsible for the majority of mushroom-related deaths globally. As the case unfolded, attention turned to Erin herself, the host of the lunch, whose relationship with the victims, including her former in-laws, added a deeply personal and complex layer to the investigation, raising unsettling questions about motive, intent, and what may have really happened inside that home on that winter afternoon. With conflicting accounts, alleged inconsistencies, and growing public fascination, the case has…

People in this episode

Host: Erin Patterson

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Places: Leongatha

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