Mushroom murders: Australian Erin Patterson charged after lunch killed three

A police officer and dog investigate at the property of Erin Patterson in Leongatha, Australia, Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023. Picture: James Ross/AAP Image via AP.

Australian Erin Patterson appeared in court on Friday charged with the murder of three elderly people, who police have said are suspected to have died after they ate poisonous mushrooms at a lunch hosted by the woman.

Patterson, 49, is charged with three counts of murder and five of attempted murder, according to court documents.