21 hours ago
ABC announces true crime drama focused on Erin Patterson's mushroom case as nation awaits verdict in murder trial
The ABC has announced it will air a television series about Erin Patterson, who is currently facing murder charges.
The project, named Toxic, is helmed by screenwriter Elise McCredie and producer Tony Ayres, whose previous works include Stateless, Clickbait, and The Clearing.
According to Tony Ayres Productions, the team is collaborating closely with ABC journalist Rachael Brown to ensure accuracy and depth in portraying the events surrounding the case.
The creators said the series will tell the story through multiple timelines and perspectives, avoiding judgement and focusing on complexity.
Ayres, the Managing Director and Executive Producer at Tony Ayres Productions, said making the drama was about pushing beyond the headlines and working out what was happening beneath the surface.
"True stories ask storytellers to probe the complexities of human behaviour. What really lies beneath the headlines? It's both a challenge and a responsibility to go beyond the surface - to reveal, not just sensationalise," he said.
Head of ABC Scripted Rachel Okine said she is "excited to be partnering" with Tony Ayres Productions on the "powerful new project".
"This investigation has already captivated audiences across Australia and we're eager to dive deeper into the complexities behind the headlines to bring this story to life with the team," she said.
The drama comes amid international attention on the case and Ms Patterson, who is accused of murdering three relatives of her estranged husband by serving them a poisonous beef wellington lunch on July 29, 2023.
The ABC says 'There's currently no indication of casting or when the series will begin filming.'
Ms Patterson has been charged with the murders of her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson.
The 50-year-old has also been charged with the attempted murder of Heather's husband and local church pastor Ian Wilkinson, who survived the meal after a lengthy stint in hospital.
Prosecutors allege Ms Patterson's beef wellington lunch, which was held at her house in Leongatha, was intentionally laced with death cap mushrooms.
It is alleged Ms Patterson concocted a cancer diagnosis to lure her guests over for lunch as she needed advice on how to break the medical news to her children.
Ms Patterson has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.
The jury retired on Monday, and at time of publication, a verdict had not been returned.
