I am joining with Sami and many others for Monday Mural.
Erin Patterson has been convicted of the murder of three people and the attempted murder of another, all members of her extended family. Her method was to add death cap mushrooms to a meal of Beef Wellington.
Bone Doctor grew up in the area where Patterson lived and her parents still live there. With her father being a GP and her mother a nurse, both retired, they knew some of the victims. It was a very sad business. Emotions towards Patterson can vary, but we have to remember that she is a convicted murderer of a number of people.
This mural features a caricature of Patterson near Victoria Market in Melbourne, painted well before Patterson's conviction, and after being found guilty, the word GUILTY was added by the artist.
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The story has been widely covered up here. Such a horrible thing to do.
ReplyDeletePoisoning is not usually a nice way to die, JayCee.
DeleteIt's made its way here, too. It's like something out of a mystery novel, but real.
ReplyDeleteIt is a mystery, Boud. There will be books, podcasts, films or tv series, and much speculation.
DeleteThat is the mural I want to capture on camera. Procrastinating
ReplyDeleteRoentare, it wasn't a mural area a knew of, but I do now.
DeleteI think the frenzy and publicity has shown the worts of human voyeurismThe woman deserves no publicity.
ReplyDeleteThere's been a huge amount of voyeurism. People have just found the case fascinating.
DeleteHow did the psychiatric services not get involved years ago, ever since she was found not guilty in her first court case? The police and courts are not always the best protective services for the community.
ReplyDeleteCheck the ABC
Deletehttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-08/erin-patterson-mushroom-murder-trial-air-traffic-controller/105464254:
*From 1991 she studied science, business accounting, a legal course, midwifery and veterinary science at Melb Uni
*Late 1990s: she was RSPCA worker at Monash City Council
*From 2001: air traffic controller, reported to the authorities
*Bookstore owner in rural Western Australia
*Then she studied as nurse and midwife at Federation Uni
*Then a community church worker in Korrumburra
Did the family not seek help? Or the husband?
Hels, I am not aware of the first case. She was certainly an achiever, and not poor, but didn't seem to stick at one thing.
DeleteI’m in two minds over this. The artist wanted to make a point because she was ‘in the news’ to begin with - good, leave it at that, wonder who she is? No need for the result to be plastered over the top.
ReplyDeleteUnusually Cathy, I have no opinion on this.
DeleteI actually read about this here, too. She's where she needs to be. True crime is fascinating and so tragic for those involved.
ReplyDeleteDeb, sometimes we are told Australia matters have gone world wide or viral, and they haven't, but in this case, it seems true.
DeleteMain thing I have learnt from the brouhaha over this case is that the reason my attempt at Beef Wellington about 30 years ago was a failure (still tasty but it fell apart when served) is that I did not sufficiently dry the mushrooms out.
ReplyDeleteNow if she'd laced the dish with magic mushrooms rather than death-caps it would have been reprehensible (if done covertly) but possibly more fun.
I am amused MC. You needed the dehydrator. I am not experienced with magic mushrooms, but I am sure they are taken for good reasons.
DeleteDo you get a sense of the hype surrounding this case being similar to Lindy Chamberlain? People seem to be firmly in the guilty or not guilty camp. Nobody seems to have a "meh" attitude.
ReplyDeleteMerlot, I can't really feel that this time. I think the evidence was rather overwhelming against her. But, for some reason even I, convinced of her guilt, feel some sympathy for her. I don't know why when it was a terrible crime she committed but I expect I am not alone.
DeleteI saw a story about her on you-tube.
ReplyDeleteThe world knows Dora.
DeleteI saw this woman's case. What was her motivation? I never quite got that part.
ReplyDeleteIt remains a mystery Debby, and I doubt we will ever know, but that won't stop anyone speculating.
DeleteWhy would anyone want to paint her on any wall anywhere? I've been hearing about it all on the news for too long now.
ReplyDeleteRiver, many people think as you do. It was good publicity for the muralist.
DeleteOh dear me. So sad people died because of her.
ReplyDeleteSo many 'things' on different media about beef wellington now.
Margaret, what is beef wellington? Pastry wrapped around meat? It sounds boring to me.
DeleteIt sounds a bit boring to me too Andrew. I've taken a link and placed it here for you to read the ingredients: https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/beef-wellington-5/98cadf38-a645-4001-bef7-a1cee540e8b1
DeleteOne thing I've learnt Margaret is that mushrooms can make the crust soggy, and they need to be dehydrated. Thanks.
DeleteI feel sorry for all the victims and their families and that includes the murderer's family. They have to continue to live in the community.
ReplyDeleteJB, early days, but none of the family of the deceased seem to be wanting publicity or anything to do with media. I am sure there have been very generous offers, and their silence is to be admired.
DeleteYou have interesting murals ! Even a murder woman, I don't know this case but it happens that one has the idea to reduce the number of the family members. Fortunately I have nobody for whom to prepare a mushroom recipe !
ReplyDeleteNot your daughter in law, Ingrid?
DeleteWell, here's hoping her guilt lives on.
ReplyDeleteBob, sentencing is not done yet, nor appeals explored, but I don't think she will be out of gaol for a few decades.
DeleteI had missed the verdict, I learn something new every day. Beef Wellington, takes some talent to make that. Maybe she can work in the Prison Kitchen.
ReplyDeleteOh TP, I am not sure that would be a good idea.
DeleteI thought the artist had been quite quick painting her, but it was already there, just the "guilty" part was added. She certainly was controversial, with some still believing she didn't do it! I think she did, as she had "attempted" poisoning her husband before. Thanks for participating in Monday Murals Andrew.
ReplyDeleteYes Sami. The evidence was quite damning.
DeleteWhen all this came to light my first thought was - oh she's a woman, a rarity in mass murder when men do it ALL of the time and are just about bypassed by the media. But a woman? Holy Shyte!
ReplyDeleteXO
WWW
Often I would agree with you WWW, but I think there was more to play in this case. Three people dead, one suffered badly, the method of killing, and more. Had it been a man, the nuances may have been different but I can't see that there would be much less publicity if it was a man.
DeleteI'm not sure about the need for a mural of her, Andrew. Such a strange sad case.
ReplyDeletePat, I am sure many would agree with you. I am ambivalent.
DeleteThat was certainly a dramatic story. International news!
ReplyDeleteMaking world headlines Steve, for the wrong reasons.
DeleteIf the world 🌎 doesn't know yet they will soon enough. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteAh yes, Linda. They will.
DeleteA. Weighty mural!
ReplyDeleteYes, you could say that Cloudia.
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