Erin Patterson has been found guilty of the murders of her ex-in-laws, Gail and Don Patterson and their friend Heather Wilkinson. Today, she starts her next chapter at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre. She will be placed in a highly restricted unit because of documented safety and security concerns. These issues are prompted by the nature of her offenses, combined with the very intense public outcry that surrounds them.
For now Patterson will continue to live apart from the general prison population, an abundance of caution expressed by officials while they work through the details. She’s soon to be joined by a stable of other celebrity prisoners. This has included famous figures such as Malka Leifer, Robyn Lindholm, Judy Moran and Samantha Azzopardi who have all attracted extensive media coverage due to their heinous crimes.
The Dame Phyllis Frost Centre offers two types of accommodations for inmates: single cells with ensuite facilities and self-contained units. As for the medium-security units in this facility, they hold ten prisoners in private rooms. The minimum-security units do with only five. This unique partnership seeks to keep incarcerated individuals safe and provide them with the tools and resources needed to rehabilitate.
During the four-week long trial, jurors heard testimony from more than 30 witnesses. Patterson appeared to have taken steps to conceal her behavior, according to evidence. During her testimony, she described a frantic drive on July 31, 2023, where she pulled over due to severe gastro symptoms. She had first been admitted to Leongatha Hospital, presenting as if she were suffering from death cap mushroom poisoning. After discharge, her condition deteriorated, and she found herself back in the hospital two hours later.
Prosecutors contended that Patterson’s leaving the hospital was part of a premeditated plan. They suggested that she fled after finding out that doctors believe her meal may have included poisonous mushrooms. This timing caused a great deal of concern regarding her desire to control the narrative around the deaths, and even to destroy evidence.
On the day of her conviction, Patterson had kept in contact with police while they were on their way to her home. Officers selected some of the leftover food items from the table to retrieve from a bin outside her residence. This paper trail would prove key to the criminal case against her.
Following the jury’s verdict, Victoria Police issued a statement saying they respected the finding.
“Victoria Police acknowledges the decision of the jury today,” – Victoria Police
They even delivered their message directly to the families impacted by Tuesday’s tragedy.
“Our thoughts are with the respective families at this time and we acknowledge how difficult these past two years have been for them. We will continue to support them in every way possible following this decision.” – Victoria Police
Retired Detective Inspector Dean Thomas spoke on behalf of police officers and first responders present, focusing on the need to not forget those who lost their lives.
“I think it’s very important that we remember that three people have died and we’ve had a person nearly die and was seriously injured as a result and that has led to these charges.” – Detective Inspector Dean Thomas
He likewise commended the tireless efforts of the Homicide Squad detectives during what was a lengthy investigation.
“I’d also like to acknowledge and thank the office of public prosecutions, the prosecution team in particular for the work that they have put in in the lead up to this trial and obviously during this trial.” – Detective Inspector Dean Thomas
Patterson’s first hearing since her conviction takes place in August. This hearing will act as a referral to a full committee to discuss such proceedings coming forward. So much so that if she does come in person—which we hope she will—it’ll be via prison van for speedy transport back to jail.
“But sometimes that takes a while. So the first hearing will be in August, and that’s just a mention to discuss these proceedings going forward. But she potentially could appear at that in person. So she would need to be brought in a prison van for that as well.” – [no specific source mentioned]
Patterson’s case has gotten unprecedented attention after two years of chaos and litigation. Yet, it makes a huge jump when it highlights significant societal issues of safety and justice.
