Particle.news
Download on the App Store
9 ARTICLES
·
2d ago

Defense Challenges Digital Evidence in Erin Patterson Mushroom Murder Trial

In week five of the high-profile trial, the defense scrutinizes the qualifications and methods of a digital forensics expert central to the case.

Victoria Police digital forensics officer Shamen Fox-Henry leaves after giving evidence to Erin Patterson’s trial, where she has pleaded not guilty to three counts of murder and one of attempted murder over a poisoned beef Wellington lunch in July 2023 at the Latrobe Valley Magistrates' Court in Morwell, Victoria, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Victoria Police examined devices seized from Erin Patterson’s home (AAP Image/Emily Woods) NO ARCHIVING, IMAGE TAKEN BY JOURNALIST
Barrister Colin Mandy SC arrives to the Latrobe Valley Magistrates Court in Morwell, Victoria, Thursday, May 1, 2025. Erin Patterson is accused of murdering her former in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail's sister Heather Wilkinson, 66. (AAP Image/James Ross) NO ARCHIVING
Image
Image

Overview

  • Erin Patterson is accused of murdering three relatives and attempting to murder a fourth by serving a meal containing death cap mushrooms.
  • Defense attorney Colin Mandy SC questioned the expertise and procedures of Shamen Fox-Henry, a digital forensics officer who analyzed devices linked to the case.
  • Fox-Henry admitted to limited training at the time of analysis and acknowledged not thoroughly verifying key data extraction processes.
  • Evidence presented includes searches on the iNaturalist website and a Korumburra pub site found on a computer seized from Patterson's home.
  • The trial continues with testimony focusing on forensic evidence and its reliability, as the defense seeks to cast doubt on the prosecution's case.