Erin Patterson had an argument with her estranged husband regarding a belated invitation to his mother’s birthday party a few months before she supposedly committed murder. On Friday, Simon Patterson once again encountered the woman accused of killing his parents, Don and Gail Patterson, along with Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson. The tragic incident occurred after they ingested death cap mushrooms served in a beef Wellington during lunch at Erin’s Leongatha residence on July 29, 2023. Pastor Ian Wilkinson was the sole survivor at the lunch, with Erin facing charges of attempted murder for allegedly poisoning him.
The jury was presented with a series of text messages exchanged between the couple on October 14 and 15 the previous year. In these messages, Erin expressed her displeasure after Simon sent her a last-minute invite to his mother’s 70th birthday celebration. She felt neglected and unappreciated, stating that she would rather not attend an event where she didn’t feel welcomed. Simon reassured Erin that his parents wanted her there, but she remained hesitant. Eventually, after some back-and-forth, Erin agreed to accompany Simon with their two children to the party.
Simon mentioned in court that he believed Erin was struggling with post-natal depression, especially after the birth of their son. Their relationship was strained, with tensions running high during the time of his mother’s birthday party. Simon described the difficult dynamics between them, shedding light on the challenges they faced as a couple.
Despite the emotional turmoil, a video shown in court captured a lighter moment between Don Patterson and his grandson, bringing a smile to Simon’s face. The video titled ‘Rocket Car’ showcased Don trying to power a toy car with a rocket, which amusingly failed to propel the car forward. This heartwarming moment provided a glimpse into the family’s dynamics before the tragic events unfolded.
Throughout their relationship, Erin had a strong aversion to hospitals, a fact highlighted during the trial. She had been reluctant to stay at the hospital after the lunch incident, citing past negative experiences with medical facilities. Her children also harbored fear towards hospitals due to previous traumatic encounters. Despite feeling unwell, Erin exhibited resistance towards medical advice, opting to discharge herself against recommendations.
The court proceedings revealed a history of discord between Erin and Simon, with financial matters and childcare expenses becoming contentious issues. In a message dated November 22, 2022, Erin requested Simon to pay an anaesthetist bill related to their son’s surgery. The financial strain and disagreements over child support payments added to the growing tension between the couple.
As the trial continued, Simon’s testimony shed light on Erin’s struggles with health issues and her alleged false cancer diagnosis. The jury was presented with evidence of escalating disputes and attempts at communication breakdowns, culminating in Erin seeking help from Simon’s parents. Simon proposed mediation to address their communication challenges, as Erin’s behavior became increasingly combative.
The trial of Erin Patterson continues, with Simon scheduled to provide further testimony. Despite the emotional toll, the court proceedings aim to unravel the complexities of the case and provide justice for the victims. The intricacies of the couple’s relationship and the events leading up to the tragedy are under scrutiny, with the jury tasked with unraveling the truth behind the heartbreaking events.
