13 February 2024 , 23:34
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Authorities have released new details about items found in mushroom murder accused Erin Patterson's home following her arrest.
The 49-year-old was detained in November over the deaths of three people in her ex-husband's family at a lunch in Leongatha, Australia, in July. Tests later indicated signs of poisoning from death cap mushrooms, which were allegedly served with the beef Wellington lunch.
Chef Patterson was subsequently arrested and charged with three counts of murder and five of attempted murder. Australian Federal Police searched Patterson's home within hours of her being charged, using sniffer dogs in the raid.
Mushroom poisoning victims Gail and Don Patterson (supplied)Now details have emerged of what was found inside. During the warrant, search dog Georgia found a USB, a SIM and micros secure digital card, a hearing was told on Tuesday. AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw said: "Technology Detector Dog Alma found a mobile phone, five iPads, a trail camera, and secure digital card and a smartwatch.
"These were not found during initial searches undertaken by officers." The dogs are specifically trained for the recovery of digital devices, able to sniff out the thin coating which protects computer circuit boards.
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
Ian Wilkinson spent seven weeks on an intensive care unit after the mushroom lunch (Nine)
Heather Wilkinson tragically perished (Nine)The dogs' noses are sensitive enough to even find tiny SIMs buried in fruit or even behind walls, the AFP said. At present, Patterson, from Leongatha, remains in custody ahead of forthcoming court proceedings. Further evidence is expected to be presented on March 25.
She is accused of the murders of Gail and Don Patterson, both 70, who died following the lunch, as well as Heather Wilkinson, 66. One of the attempted murder charges relates to Mrs Wilkinson's husband, Pastor Ian Wilkinson, who spent seven weeks in intensive care.
The others relate to ex-husband Simon Patterson, both for the July 29 lunch which he didn't actually attend, and for three previous occasions on November 16 and 17, 2021, between May 25 and 27, 2022, and on September 6, 2022. Patterson is currently being held at Victoria's largest women's prison, the notorious Dame Phyllis Frost Centre in Melbourne's western industrial suburbs.