MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — A woman accused of serving her ex-husband’s family poisonous mushrooms pleaded not guilty in an Australian court on Tuesday to three charges of murder and five charges of attempted murder.
Erin Patterson, 49, appeared briefly in Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court by video link from a Melbourne prison, where she has been held since her arrest in November last year. She is accused of killing her former parents-in-law, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail Patterson’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66.
All three died in a hospital days after consuming a meal at Patterson’s home in July.
She pleaded not guilty to all charges and will appear at Victoria state’s Supreme Court in Melbourne for the first time on May 23.
Proceedings have been fast-tracked after Patterson dispensed with a committal hearing where a magistrate would have examined the prosecution’s case to ensure there is sufficient evidence to warrant a jury trial.
Two suspects arrested in fatal shooting on Delaware college campus are not students, police say
US reimposes oil sanctions on Venezuela ahead of election
Abu Ghraib military contractor warned bosses of abuses 2 weeks after arriving, testimony reveals
Tennessee judge wants more information on copyright before ruling on school shooter's writings
Kyren Wilson wins world snooker championship for the first time after beating Jak Jones 18
Alabama lawmakers reject bill to require release of police body camera video
After 40 years in Park City, Sundance exploring options for 2027 film festival and beyond
Taylor Swift fan Ina Garten, 76, reveals even SHE struggled to buy Eras Tour tickets
Lara Worthington flaunts her sensational physique while enjoying a dip in skimpy bikini
Megan Thee Stallion, Patricia Arquette, and Busy Philipps lead the pro
Russia defends veto of UN resolution to prohibit nukes in outer space
Free Cone Day is back at Ben & Jerry's