An Australian woman is on trial for murder by toxic mushrooms. Here's what to know

Erin Patterson's family members died suddenly after attending an event where Erin served mushrooms. Symptoms followed within days, leading them to the hospital and their passing on August 4th. The Department of Health linked the death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides) to their deaths due to matching incubation periods. Despite Erin denying ingesting mushrooms and not recalling specific types, an investigation at nearby grocery stores found no evidence linking her to the death cap mushrooms, leaving room for contamination or indirect exposure as possibilities.