Erin Patterson's conviction for the deaths by poisoning of her estranged husband's relatives has prompted fevered speculation across Australia about her motive.

The fact she had no clear motive was central to her defence team’s arguments. Patterson, who foraged wild mushrooms in her spare time and also ate the beef wellington, claimed that the event was a tragic accident.

Erin Patterson hosted four of her estranged husband's relatives for lunch in July 2023. Three of them later died of death cap mushroom poisoning. Nearly two years later, a jury has found her guilty.