• Erin Patterson, 50, is on trial for allegedly using poisonous mushrooms to murder her relatives.
• The sole survivor, Ian Wilkinson, testified about Patterson's reluctance to let guests assist in serving food.
• A doctor revealed a victim described the meal as "delicious" before succumbing to illness.

Erin Patterson, 50, is accused of murdering three relatives by serving a beef Wellington laced with toxic mushrooms during a lunch in July 2023. The alleged victims included her estranged husband's parents and aunt. Patterson has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and her defense claims the poisoning was an unintentional accident, according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

The trial, which has captured the attention of Australia, saw Ian Wilkinson, the only surviving guest from the meal, testify in court. He recounted how Patterson declined offers to help serve the food, creating an impression of reluctance. Wilkinson noted, "Both Heather and Gail were offering to help plate up the food," but reports Patterson rejected their assistance, according to CBS News and Channel News Asia.

During the proceedings, it emerged that Heather Wilkinson, who later died, had remarked that the meal tasted "delicious" just before falling ill. Dr. Christopher Webster, who treated the Wilkinsons, testified that they arrived at the hospital showing symptoms consistent with food poisoning. Initially suspecting food poisoning from the beef, it later became clear that they had ingested death cap mushrooms, which are notoriously toxic, according to CBS News and Channel News Asia.

As the trial progresses, prosecutors allege that Patterson intentionally poisoned her guests while ensuring her children did not consume the deadly mushrooms. After the meal, Patterson sought medical attention two days later but left the hospital shortly after. The trial is expected to run for about six weeks as more testimonies unfold, according to Al Jazeera and CBS News.