Inside the chilling 2023 'Mushroom Murders' as documentary hits Netflix
True crime documentary Death Cap: The Mushroom Murders delves into the case of a woman convicted of murdering three relatives and attempting to kill a fourth.
A spine-tingling documentary examining a family gathering that resulted in three deaths has just dropped on Netflix.
Death Cap: The Mushroom Murders delves into the notorious case of Australian woman Erin Patterson, who was convicted of murdering three family members and attempting to kill a fourth in July 2023.
Netflix's teaser reveals: "In a quiet corner of Australia, a normal family lunch turns fatal - and the world can't look away."
On July 29, Erin, then aged 49, welcomed four relatives to her home in Leongatha, Victoria, where she served them beef Wellington, reports the Mirror.
Her guests included in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, plus Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson and her spouse Ian. Ian is the only one who survived the toxic lunch.
The now 51-year-old's estranged husband Simon was also invited to the meal, but he pulled out at the last minute.
It's believed that the gathering was organised under the guise that Erin wanted to preserve ties with her in-laws, despite her marriage breaking down.
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However, within a day of sharing the meal, all four attendees were admitted to hospital after experiencing symptoms resembling food poisoning.
It later came to light that Erin had deliberately planted lethal mushrooms known as Amanita phalloides, or death caps, into the dish.
Evolutionary biologist Michael Gillings, featured in the documentary, explains: "Half a death cap will kill an adult. It is the most poisonous mushroom known."
Scientific expert Vanessa McPherson also highlighted the danger of ingesting the fungus. She revealed: "It contains a chemical called an amatoxin, which is thermostable, which means that it won't degrade in heat. And it can kill an adult very, very quickly."
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Gail, 70, Heather, 66, and Don, 70, all died within six days of eating the meal. Ian, now 71, underwent a kidney transplant and became the sole survivor following months in hospital.
Where is Erin Patterson now?
Erin was arrested and charged with murder and attempted murder in November 2023.
She stood trial before a jury this September and received three life sentences for murder, plus an additional 25 years for attempted murder.
She won't be eligible for parole for 33 years.
Death Cap: The Mushroom Murders is streaming now on Netflix
