The mushroom poisoning in Vic.... I am gripped - Part 2

[ImustLearn2Cook]

Hi everyone, Aussie Mumsnetter here. As some have requested a new thread be started by an Aussie I decided to do it.

I am still gripped by this case and like many, I am awaiting updates of new information.

Will a matching donor for a liver for Ian be found soon? I hope he makes a full recovery.

Will he be able to shed new light on the lunch they all shared?

And of course is she guilty of deliberately poisoning them or was it an innocent mistake?

Jury selection tomorrow, I gather. Some business/pre-trial details sorted out today.

This podcast says it will provide little news updates.

Mushroom Case Daily with Kristian Silva - ABC listen

How Erin Patterson's murder trial over alleged mushroom killings will be run - ABC News

Sounds like it'll just be jury selection today. Am having pangs of regret for exempting myself 😂

Looking forward to the ABC podcast in the coming weeks, I hope their journos manage to get press seats or at least the overflow room they mention. It's going to be packed!

I am really looking forward to the media coverage and finding out what her defence is. Wish they'd asked me to be on the jury! I never get asked. Not sure what that's about...

Yes it's hard to think of a good defence here. Wonder if she'll stick with "I bought them at a shop"? But that doesn't explain all the attempts on her ex. Still, the investigation took so long you'd imagine they've got pretty solid evidence. Will be very interesting from both sides.

I lived in Melbourne for 20 adult years without being called for jury duty but since I've been in Gippsland I get called about every 2 years like clockwork. Must be more criminals, undischarged bankrupts & other ineligible folk down this way! 😆

What is her defence though? It was an accident? She didn't know the mushrooms were poisonous? And she notoriously hated her inlaws??

It would have been a better story to say, yes, I foraged those mushrooms and dried them last year. Given she is a known forager with at least one drier... A terrible mistake would go down better than I bought them at Woollies, er, and also an Asian grocer, which one I can't recall.

Totally agree that would've been a much better defence. Surely she can't now retract the nonsense about the dodgy Chinese shop somewhere in or near Glen Waverley. But who knows what her defence will come up with (rubs hands together)

Was at the local library this morning and heard a clutch of people discussing this. Of course I got in on the chat. Apparently Morwell is heaving with people, all motels/accommodation booked out, no parking spaces. Media with camera crews wandering around trying to get soundbytes out of the locals, who are pissed off at the intrusion & worried the supermarket will empty "Just like bloody covid". 😂

https://apple.news/AAnjw9Gw_RYq5LRm638kzag

no longer accused of attempting to murder her ex husband

Yes, hmmm.

Erin Patterson no longer facing charges over ex-husband as mushroom murders trial begins - ABC News

They will likely have dropped the charges to make the prosecution case cleaner, they may have less solid evidence and lots of circumstantial for the husband. They want her to go down for the murder charges, so they’ve removed the vagueness of the others which will make it easier for the jury, it’s going to be a huge case anyway with three charges of murder, so this probably makes conviction more likely as the evidence will be less cumbersome. That’s my best guess having watched far too much true crime/trial stuff.

I think based on what I've read about the case, and that's without knowing all the forensic evidence they have gathered, she's going down. I guess three murders and one attempted murder will bring enough of a sentence to not bother with muddying the waters with attempts with far less physical evidence.

I was not expecting that!

@Pashazade I think you're onto something there. Remove the parts that are vague and easier to debate?

But her ex Simon was in was in hospital years ago, in a terrible state. I guess it's too long ago to get any pathology samples.

The jury have been told by the judge that the charges have been dropped and that they "must put them out of your mind". I would be a terrible juror!

How the locals feel about the media circus in town, on ACA at 7 tonight...

Yes, that does make sense. Blimey, it's only day one... this will be a long 6 weeks!

I've a peculiar craving for Beef Wellington. It's a delicious meal and haven't made it in ages.

@velvetandsatin shame you don't live nearby. We could save up the daily podcasts & have a weekly mushroom 🍄 dinner, glass of wine & eviscerate the proceedings 😂

I'm heading into Gippsland territory for a mini-break very soon so will be enthralled by the proximity while staying in a very patchy wi-fi/ mobile coverage area. I can see me in the car park doing catch-up.

I don't normally watch ACA but might try to catch that.

Meanwhile I'm doing my own study on how the locals feel. Do remember that these are country towns & not all locals are bred equally. 😂

Depends where you're going re WiFi. Great time to visit the beaches... water not too cold, not many people around.

Shit, now I'm a travel agent for Gippsland! Hope you enjoy, it's truly a wonderful part of the world.

I've been there many times. Many, many times for Round the Horne fans. You're so right about the area in its seasons.

Yes, wi-fi is patchy but for me, my moment is driving the Grand Ridge Trail to Welshpool on very visit. I'm careful with beaches as echtdog is a water dog, but not accustomed to strong tides as I live on Port Philip Bay. He thinks he's all that, though.

Lol, your water dog would be fine at Cape Pat or Harmers.

Oops, sorry everyone! Back to mushroom woman tomorrow 😎

I live on Port Philip Bay too. Even here the currents and shelves can be scary.

I love Harmers Haven so much!

Anyway, am standing by for shroom case developments.

From the article: “The jury has been picked…”

ABC journos having a laugh?

Picked and dried?