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Erin Patterson, the woman charged with the murder of three family members of her ex-husband by allegedly serving them poisonous mushrooms, has testified in an Australian court. This development took place on Monday as the much-anticipated trial nears its conclusion.

The 50-year-old is accused of killing her former parents-in-law, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66. Additionally, she faces charges for attempting to murder Ian Wilkinson, 68, Heather’s husband. All four were said to have consumed a meal in Patterson’s home located in Victoria state in July 2023.

Patterson's lawyer, Colin Mandy, emphasized that the poisoning incident was accidental. During the six-week trial, which is being heard in the Victorian state Supreme Court, Patterson has maintained her innocence, having pleaded not guilty to all charges in May last year.

The fatal meal, served on July 29, 2023, consisted of beef Wellington, mashed potatoes, and green beans. The next day, all four guests were hospitalized with poisoning from death cap mushrooms, scientifically known as Amanita phalloides, which had been incorporated into the beef and pastry dish. While Ian Wilkinson survived after undergoing a liver transplant, the others succumbed to the poisoning.

Under Mandy’s questioning, Patterson shared insights into her struggles with self-esteem, shifting spiritual beliefs, complications during her son’s birth, and the increasing estrangement from her husband’s family over the years. “I had felt for some months that my relationship with the wider Patterson family, and particularly Don and Gail, perhaps had a bit more distance or space put between us,” she said. “We saw each other less.”

Erin Patterson is expected to return to the witness stand on Tuesday. The prosecution wrapped up presenting its case earlier on Monday afternoon, addressing a jury of 14 individuals. The trial’s outcome remains highly anticipated as it draws closer to its conclusion.