'Everyone knows somebody affected': The small towns in shock after mushroom murders

In the quiet town of Korumburra, located in Victoria's Gippsland region, a deep sadness has settled over the community. The area is known for its cold winters and cloudy days, but lately, the mood has been even darker because of a shocking crime. Erin Patterson, a local resident, invited her in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, along with Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson and her husband Ian, to her home for a family lunch on July 29, 2023. Tragically, only Ian survived the meal, but he needed a liver transplant and spent weeks in a coma. The others died after eating poisonous mushrooms that Erin had served. Erin claimed it was an accident, but after a ten-week trial, a jury found her guilty of three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. The case made headlines around the world, but in Korumburra, people are tired of the attention and just want to return to normal life.

Don and Gail Patterson had lived in Korumburra since 1984, raising their four children in the small town of about 5,000 people. Don was a beloved school teacher, remembered by many for his kindness and ability to connect with students. Heather and Gail were also known for their generosity and caring nature. The local Baptist church posted a tribute to the three victims, calling them 'very special people who loved God and loved to bless others. ' The tragedy has affected not just Korumburra, but also nearby towns like Outtrim, where some believe the deadly mushrooms may have been picked. The police used cell phone data to suggest that Erin Patterson visited two locations to collect the toxic fungi. In these small towns, everyone seems to know someone touched by the case, making the loss feel even more personal.

Erin Patterson's house in Leongatha, bought with money she inherited from her mother, has been empty for over a year. Neighbors say people often drive by to see the place where the tragedy happened, and some even claim to have seen a tour bus. Mushroom foraging is common in the area, and many locals say they were taught from a young age which mushrooms are safe to eat. The trial took place in Morwell, a town that has faced economic struggles after losing its paper mill and power station. The case brought unusual attention to Morwell, with local businesses seeing more customers and journalists covering the story. However, it also sparked debates about crime and trust in the police and justice system. Some residents feel the community's faith in humanity has been shaken, but others believe the tragedy has also shown the strength and support people can offer each other during difficult times. The people of Korumburra hope to be remembered for their resilience and kindness, not just for the crime that brought them into the spotlight.