Korumburra, a hamlet in South Gippsland, has fallen into mourning once more following the charges against Erin Patterson for three murders.
The night before her arrest, the woman at the center of the purported deadly mushroom case hosted a party.
Parishioners were observed gathering for their customary Sunday service today, but conspicuous absences continue to have an impact on the community.
The only person who survived the supposed deadly mushroom lunch, Reverend Ian Wilkinson, is still too unwell to be the pastor of his flock.
Instead, a different pastor has taken over in a temporary capacity.
Simon Patterson has not been seen by the media since his estranged wife was accused of planning his murder four times, and he did not attend today’s service either.
Erin Patterson was accused on Thursday of killing her ex-in-laws, Don and Gail Patterson, as well as the reverend’s spouse, Heather Wilkinson, in July by giving them a lethal dinner that included toxic mushrooms.
She is also accused of trying to kill Ian Wilkinson. There has been a sense of sadness in the Korumburra community ever since the homicide squad made their arrest. Erin Patterson has always refuted any misconduct.
The night before the police raid, according to her neighbors, she had a gathering of friends at her Leongatha residence. She had no idea that it would be her final day of freedom before being arrested.
Until her subsequent court appearance in May, the mother of two will stay at the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, which is located under utmost security.
