We've made it to the final day of Erin Patterson's triple murder and attempted murder trial, where the defence barrister Colin Mandy SC delivered his closing arguments challenging the prosecution's case. The jury will soon commence deliberations after Justice Christopher Beale gives his final directions on Tuesday.

• The Crown described prosecution arguments as "convoluted and absurd"
• Defence suggested Ms Patterson only began fabricating parts of her account after her estranged husband allegedly accused her of poisoning his parents
• Medical evidence showed Ms Patterson herself became sick from the beef Wellington with symptoms that "could have been in no way faked"
• Defence argued Ms Patterson's testimony remained coherent and consistent throughout extensive cross-examination
• Jury was reminded they must acquit if they find it reasonably possible the poisoning was an accident

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The defence in Erin Patterson's triple murder trial is building a narrative of a loving mother who had close relationships with her alleged victims. Colin Mandy SC presents evidence of Erin's deep connection with in-laws and lunch victims Don and Gail Patterson, portraying them as supportive in-laws who "treated her like a daughter."

• Defence characterises Erin as a devoted mother of two with good character
• Evidence suggests Erin moved from Western Australia to Victoria to be closer to Don and Gail
• Simon Patterson testified that Erin and his parents had "loving and respectful relationships"
• Special bond highlighted between Erin and Don, sharing interests in knowledge, books and science
• Defence emphasises continuing relationship between Erin and in-laws even after separation from Simon
• Jury deliberations expected to begin Wednesday next week

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The judge in the Mushroom Murder Trial has announced at least one more week before the jury can begin deliberations, with final jury instructions starting Monday.

Erin Patterson, age 50, is pleading not guilty to murdering three relatives and attempting to murder a fourth by serving them beef wellington containing death cap mushrooms.

• Crown Prosecutor Nanette Rogers argued Ms Patterson deliberately obtained death cap mushrooms and incorporated them into the meal
• Prosecution claimed the mother-of-two told "lies upon lies" after the lunch as part of a cover-up
• Defence barrister Colin Mandy criticized the prosecution for "cherry-picking" evidence
• He emphasised Ms Patterson's lack of motive, questioning why she would harm her only support network
• The 50-year-old voluntarily testified, subjecting herself to cross-examination and international public scrutiny
• Mr. Mandy will continue his closing address today.

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Crown Prosecutor Nanette Rogers delivers closing arguments in week eight of Erin Patterson's triple murder trial, outlining four alleged acts of deception in what the prosecution describes as a carefully planned poisoning. The defence maintains that the death cap mushroom poisonings were a tragic mistake, not intentional murder.

• Prosecution claims Ms Patterson fabricated an ovarian cancer story to distract from her alleged murder plot
• Individual beef wellingtons allegedly used to conceal death cap mushrooms, deviating from traditional shared-log recipe
• Different coloured plate allegedly used by Ms Patterson to identify her safe, non-poisoned meal
• Patterson's claim about buying dried mushrooms from an unremembered Asian grocery store called "not believable"
• Prosecution argues Ms Patterson feigned illness after the lunch, with symptoms inconsistent with actual mushroom poisoning
• Location data suggests Patterson may have travelled to areas where death cap mushrooms grow
• Ian Wilkinson, the sole survivor, testified that Ms Patterson used a different coloured plate from other guests
• Alleged cover-up attempts include disposing of a dehydrator and concealing a mobile phone from investigators

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In this bonus episode, we provide an exclusive transcript of Erin's barrister Mr. Colin Mandy SC conducting the final cross-examination in the Mushroom Murder Trial, methodically addressing key points of contention and establishing crucial facts about mushroom foraging seasons.

• Cross-examination reveals wild mushroom foraging is seasonal (autumn only) and would be "incredibly unproductive" in December
• Defense establishes Erin was in New Zealand for approximately half of December 2022, when prosecution claims she should have mentioned foraging
• Mr. Mandy corroborates Erin's account about her daughter's ballet rehearsal with evidence of Simon Patterson cancelling the lesson
• Discussion of Erin's low potassium levels (2.6) and subsequent treatment with supplements while hospitalized
• Erin acknowledges iNaturalist searches were "most likely" her while maintaining she has no specific memory of conducting them

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Dive into a bonus transcript reading episode examining the Erin Patterson case with detailed questioning about two phones and their usage patterns which the prosecution said could reveal crucial evidence.

• Focus on "Phone A" and "Phone B" with Dr Nanette Rogers (chief prosecutor) questioning Erin Patterson who pleads not guilty
• Ms Patterson's phone usage timeline examined through meticulous questioning about web searches related to death cap mushrooms
• Prosecution said evidence showed Ms Patterson's phone lost network connection during police search
• Prosecutor's claim that Ms Patterson deliberately concealed her phone from police during investigation
• Phone records showing Ms Patterson's device disconnected precisely during her private consultation with a lawyer

Ms Patterson is pleading not guilty to all four charges and has the resumption of innocence.

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Erin Patterson completed her final day of testimony in her triple murder trial at the Supreme Court of Victoria, facing questioning about inconsistencies in her story and allegations she deliberately poisoned her relatives with death cap mushrooms.

The prosecution directly challenged Ms Patterson on key points including a disputed roadside stop, suspicious phone activity, and her alleged research of toxic fungi, while she maintained her innocence when asked if she deliberately killed her family members.

• Crown Prosecutor Dr Nanette Rogers suggested Ms Patterson's "bushland poo" story was fabricated when her son couldn't recall the incident happening
• Prosecutors alleged Ms Patterson deliberately removed a SIM card from her phone during an unscheduled police visit on August 5, 2023
• Ms Patterson denied researching death cap mushrooms or deliberately including them in the beef wellington
• Defence counsel presented evidence of Ms Patterson's communications with a cosmetic clinic, addressing confusion about weight loss treatment options
• Ms Patterson explained she made six beef wellingtons because she had enough ingredients and thought she could eat the extra one another day
• The trial now moves to closing arguments before the jury deliberates on a verdict

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Erin Patterson was in the witness box for the seventh day as part of her triple murder trial. The prosecutor challenged her testimony about gastric bypass surgery plans and movements near death cap mushroom sightings. The mother of two is accused of deliberately serving poisoned beef wellington to her relatives, resulting in three deaths, though she maintains it was a tragic accident.

• Ms Patterson forced to admit the Enrich Clinic does not offer gastric bypass surgery
• Medical records from January 2020 to August 2023 contain no mention of weight loss treatment plans
• Phone records suggest Ms Patterson may have visited areas with reported death cap mushroom sightings
• Ms Patterson denies misleading health authorities or intentionally seeking out death cap mushrooms

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