Erin Patterson’s trial, where she is charged with poisoning four guests of a midwinter lunch party, has come to an important point. With the trial looming, the sole survivor, Ian, is about to testify to what happened that day. Then, on July 29, 2023, the tragedy struck when a home-cooked lunch at Patterson’s home turned deadly — with Ian and his artist-partner, Heather Millar, attending. The devastating aftermath of that day has since taken the world by storm.
On the morning of that fateful lunch, Ian began his day with a meal at home. He soon found himself in a pickle trying to remember the exact details of what he and Heather ate that fateful morning. If they can’t remember something so basic yet so important, what happened next is certainly cause for concern.
Upon arriving at Patterson’s residence, Heather made an observation that prompted curiosity: “Oh, Simon’s car is not here.” This comment was the first clue that Simon, a fellow lunch guest we’d been anticipating, wasn’t coming. The information session, featuring Ian, Heather, Gail and Erin, made for lively discussion as they all shifted into the afternoon.
Shortly after their arrival, the dynamic and engaged delegation made their way into town and took a stroll. They stopped to pick up a newspaper. Next, they stopped at a local coffee shop, where they bumped into some more neighbors. The relaxing, gentle adventure was about as perfect of a summer day with pals as one could get. Then it was poised to go to the very dark side.
Just after noon, Don and Gail drove over to pick up Ian and Heather from their house. Together, they proceeded to Patterson’s residence. About halfway through the ride, Don or Gail said, “Simon won’t be joining us for lunch.” This new information ensured that at least one of the expected guests would not be able to attend.
Buzzing with excitement on the way to the Patterson home, the mood shifted little when Heather said she wanted to check out her host’s pantry. May I see your pantry, she queried Patterson. This question surfaced at a particularly opportune moment, as Patterson was bustling around the kitchen cooking up the meal. Ian was just getting to know Patterson as he mashed potatoes and plated up food, blissfully unaware of the tragedy about to unfold.
While Gail and Heather walked to the pantry, Ian talked with Don. There seemed to be an unwillingness on Patterson’s part to let the group enter the pantry. Gail paused, unsure for a moment, but then shouted back, “Can I go in the pantry?” Her palpable excitement at finally being able to peek inside was even better.
Ian even recalled how much Heather loved breakfast toast. While Lee and Anton were cooking some McDonald’s chow, Patterson had a decidedly fancier meal in the works. Yet the trial uncovered one of the most horrific fates of all. It went further, exposing the circumstances and events that led to it.
