Simon Patterson, the estranged husband of convicted killer Erin Patterson, is forging a new path in the wake of the horrific 'mushroom murders' that claimed the lives of three of his relatives.
A Fatal Lunch and a Narrow Escape
In a case that shocked the world, Erin Patterson was convicted in April 2025 of murdering three family members after serving them a deadly beef Wellington at her home in Victoria, Australia, in 2023. The victims were her in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail's sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66.
Heather's husband, local pastor Ian Wilkinson, was the sole survivor of the meal, recovering after a period in a coma. Simon Patterson was notably absent from the fatal gathering, having pulled out at the last minute. The BBC reported that he had withdrawn partly due to a long-held suspicion that his wife had been 'attempting to poison him for years'.
Justice Served and a Mystery Motive
Erin Patterson faced three murder charges and one of attempted murder. At Victoria's Supreme Court, she received three consecutive life sentences plus an additional 25 years in prison. This sentencing ensures she will not be eligible for release for a minimum of 33 years.
A definitive motive for the killings was never established in court. Justice Beale addressed Erin directly, stating, "Some murders occur for no reason, the motive for some murders may only be known to the offenders... Only you know why you committed the murders."
Taking Control of the Narrative
Now, Simon Patterson is choosing to share his perspective on the tragedy. Despite a global media frenzy and numerous lucrative broadcasting offers, the engineer and father-of-two has reportedly turned them down. Instead, he is launching his own media company to produce a podcast detailing his experience.
According to sources speaking to News.com.au, Simon is partnering with a publishing house to write a memoir and e-book, which will feature transcripts from the podcast. A source revealed, "He wants to be in control of the message, to have complete agency over it and make the edits himself."
He is set to collaborate with crisis communications specialist Jessica O'Donnell on the project, which is slated for a 10-episode run. Simon has expressed that he is "not motivated by money", but by a desire to speak out, noting the grieving local community. He previously said it would take "years" to process the loss of his family at the hands of his estranged wife.
His new media venture is also intended to provide a platform for other victims of crime. Given the immense international interest, it is suggested his story could be worth up to a million dollars.
The Story on Screen
The case is also the subject of a new Netflix documentary titled 'Death Cap: The Mushroom Murders', which examines the baffling poisoning incident. The documentary is available to stream now.
