In a harrowing case from rural Victoria, Australia's Dr. Chris Webster identified Erin Patterson as a cold-blooded killer within minutes of her arrival at the local hospital. He was treating her dinner guests, who had suffered from severe gastroenteritis-like symptoms after consuming a meal she had prepared, which included toxic mushrooms concealed in a beef Wellington.
Initially, Dr. Webster believed it was a case of mass food poisoning, prompted by Heather Wilkinson's description of her enjoyable lunch at Erin's home. However, as he treated the Wilkinsons, he received shocking news from another hospital – it wasn't the meat causing their symptoms, but deadly mushrooms. This revelation led him to change course and initiate preventive liver treatments for his patients, who were at risk of dying.
As fate would have it, Erin arrived at the hospital under the pretense of having the same symptoms. When Dr. Webster asked about the mushrooms’ origin, her reply – “Woolworths” – struck him as peculiar. An experienced doctor, he quickly deduced that her answer was suspect; admitting to foraging for the mushrooms would've seemed more credible.
Moreover, Erin's nonchalant demeanor, despite her relatives’ dire condition, raised alarms. Despite getting Erin admitted for checks, she left abruptly against medical advice, prompting Dr. Webster to alert the police once more.
After some time, Erin returned voluntarily, claiming she was overwhelmed. Medical tests on her and her children ultimately showed no signs of toxicity. Despite the turmoil, Erin maintained her innocence, suggesting the poisoning was accidental.
Two years later, when Erin was found guilty of her crimes – including the murders of her in-laws and the attempted murder of a local pastor – Dr. Webster felt immense relief. He had played a crucial role in seeking justice, a sense of closure amplified by witnessing the recovery of the pastor, Ian Wilkinson. The series of events serves as a chilling reminder that dangers can lurk in the most unexpected places.
