Erin Patterson is currently on trial for allegedly poisoning her in-laws with death cap mushrooms in a beef Wellington dish, which resulted in three fatalities and one survivor.

Patterson's defense contends that her actions were unintentional, framing the deaths as a tragic accident, as she pleads not guilty to charges of murder and attempted murder.

Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Patterson had lied about disposing of a food dehydrator and foraging for mushrooms, although she denies intentionally seeking out the toxic death caps.

Dr. Thomas May, a fungi expert, testified about the dangers of death cap mushrooms, which can be confused with other species, leading to potential fatalities.

The court learned that all four guests who attended the lunch fell ill the day after, with two dying on August 4 and another on August 5, all diagnosed with death cap mushroom poisoning.

The victims included Patterson's estranged husband's parents, Don and Gail Patterson, and his aunt Heather Wilkinson, while Ian Wilkinson, the only survivor, spent weeks in intensive care.

Dr. Rhonda Stuart, Monash Health's director of public health, testified about her interactions with Patterson shortly after the lunch, where Patterson claimed to have used mushrooms from a supermarket.

Mycologist Dr. Camille Truong examined the meal leftovers and found no death cap mushrooms, suggesting that if the mushrooms were purchased from a store, they were unlikely to be fatal.

CCTV footage captured a woman resembling Patterson disposing of an item matching her food dehydrator at a landfill shortly after the incident.

The trial has seen procedural adjustments, including a long weekend break ordered by the judge to consolidate evidence and expedite proceedings.

Wilkinson returned to court as an observer, witnessing emotional testimonies from family members recalling their loved ones who perished from the poisoning.

The Victorian poisons center has reported a rise in calls regarding mushroom exposures, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and wet weather periods.