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.
Second juror in New Hampshire youth center abuse trial explains verdict, says state misinterpreted
Cancer patients' travel funding boost: 'Important no one falling through the gap'
Screening of Hong Kong Poly U siege documentary slammed by pro
Arrests made after Lower Hutt siblings hospitalised with severe injuries
Russia plans nuclear weapon drills after angry exchange with Western officials
Tear gas as crowds clash with riot police in Russia
How directors, distributors and devotees are struggling to keep Hong Kong cinema alive
Kyren Wilson wins world snooker championship for the first time after beating Jak Jones 18
Death penalty for artist behind Kyoto anime fire, which killed 36
White Sox recall Mike Clevinger from Triple
Digital declaration now available for all international travellers to NZ