Deliberate poisoning or a tragic accident? The question at the heart of Australia’s mushroom murders trial
GuardianMAY 1
Erin Patterson Trial Day 10: Mushroom Expert Testifies
Above: Barristers Sophie Stafford (L) and Colin Mandy SC arrive at Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court on May 13, 2025 in Morwell, Australia. Image copyright: Asanka Ratnayake/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
Erin Patterson's likely guilt has been strengthened by her use of iNaturalist to locate death cap mushrooms, as it appears she visited their exact geolocation before the fatal lunch. The data locating her at the site before the lunch, coupled with the likelihood that it told her the mushrooms were lethal, points to intentional foraging of toxic fungi.
Narrative B
Erin Patterson's guilt remains uncertain as her trial continues. Between the dropped charges of attempting to murder her ex-husband and the potential fact that she ate the same mushroom-laced meal, this may have been a tragic accidental poisoning. The iNaturalist data shows foraging but not intent. With no verdict and conflicting evidence, no conclusions can be drawn yet.