The Aussie Mushroom Murders

In July 2023, a quiet lunch in rural Victoria became the centre of one of Australia’s most disturbing modern crime cases — now known globally as the Aussie mushroom murders.

Three people died and one was left fighting for his life after a homemade beef Wellington meal was served at a family gathering in Leongatha, Victoria. At the heart of the case is Erin Patterson, the woman who prepared the meal — later alleged to have contained deadly death cap mushrooms, one of the most toxic fungi on Earth.

This case sent shockwaves across Australia and beyond, raising chilling questions:

Was this a tragic accident involving foraged mushrooms?

Or was it a calculated act of poisoning hidden behind a family lunch?

How did investigators trace the source of the mushrooms?

And what evidence led to murder charges in one of Australia’s most high-profile criminal cases?

In this video, we break down the full timeline — from the fatal lunch and sudden hospitalisations, to the forensic investigation, police interviews, and court developments that followed. Using verified reporting and court information, we explore what is known, what remains disputed, and why this case continues to grip the public.