The Erin Patterson “mushroom murder trial” has captivated Australia like few cases before it.

What began as a family lunch in rural Victoria ended in three deaths, one near-fatality — and endless speculation.

But beyond the headlines and courtroom drama lies a deeper question: why did this case grip us so tightly?

Image: Image from Shutterstock

Produced By: Moemina Shukur

Featured In Story: Dr Xanthé Mallett – criminologist

First aired on The Wire, Tuesday 8 July 2025