A lady who served 4 members of the family toxic mushrooms earlier than three of them died has tearfully denied doing something mistaken - as murder detectives examine her as a suspect within the case.

Erin Patterson was the one one who did not get sick after consuming the meal at her house in Leongatha in Victoria, southeast Australia, on Saturday 29 July.

Her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, each 70, have been amongst those that ate the meal which contained the toxic fungi.

Gail Patterson's sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, and her husband Reverend Ian Wilkinson, 68, have been additionally on the desk.

All 4 felt unwell by midnight that night earlier than Gail Patterson and Mrs Wilkinson died almost every week afterward Friday 4 August.

Don Patterson died the subsequent day.

Reverend Wilkinson, a pastor at Korumburra Baptist Church, remains to be preventing for his life in hospital.

Erin Patterson's two kids have been additionally on the lunch however got a meal not containing the poisonous mushrooms.

They have reportedly been taken into state care as a "precaution".

The case has gripped Australia after police opened a murder investigation and confirmed Mrs Patterson is a suspect.

The 48-year-old is reported to be separated from her husband - the son of Mr and Mrs Patterson - however their cut up was described as "amicable".

It is suspected the 4 individuals have been served mushrooms often known as loss of life caps - that are accountable for 90% of all poisonous mushroom-related fatalities.

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Speaking exterior her house on Monday, Mrs Patterson broke down in tears over the lack of "some of the best people I've ever met".

"The loss to the community and to the families and my own children who have lost their grandmother… I just can't fathom what has happened," she stated.

"I'm so sorry that they have lost their lives. I just can't believe it."

Mrs Patterson didn't reply questions from reporters in regards to the meal she cooked.

However, she denied any wrongdoing when she was reminded she was a suspect within the investigations.

"I didn't do anything, I love them and I'm devastated they are gone," she stated.

Police have stated the very fact Mrs Patterson is being investigated does not imply the deaths weren't a tragic accident.

Detective Inspector Dean Thomas stated: "I'm not aware of an investigation where we've had three people die as a result of an apparent food poisoning, whether that be by a mushroom or something else - so yes, it is quite unique.

"(Mrs Patterson) has not offered with any signs. So once more, that kinds a part of our investigation whether or not she did or did not eat any of the mushrooms or anything that will have been eaten on that individual day."