Homicide investigators are probing whether or not foul play was behind a deadly mushroom poisoning which killed three folks and left a fourth combating for his life.
The group of Korumburra in Victoria’s South Gippsland area are in mourning following the dying of Don and Gail Patterson.
Ms Patterson’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, was additionally killed along with her husband, Korumburra Baptist Church pastor Ian, combating for his life.
Police imagine the group have been struck down after ingesting poisonous mushrooms at a lunch in a house in close by Leongatha final month.
Homicide detectives have been reportedly now investigating the incident and had raided a house in Leongatha on Saturday.
Police interviewed a 48-year-old girl on the residence who was later launched pending additional inquiries.
The victims have been initially believed to have been struggling gastro earlier than they have been transferred to The Alfred Hospital.
The news comes as a shock to the group of Korumburra, a city of about 3600 folks 120km southeast of Melbourne.
Korumburra residents Lee and Chris Clements labored alongside Gail and Don Patterson at Korumburra Secondary College.
“My husband and I worked with them for 20 years and it’s really devastating news,” Ms Clements instructed the Herald Sun.
“Gail was in the office and Don was a very dedicated science teacher and loved his astronomy.
“They were very Christian and very lovely people. They would always say hello and acknowledge everyone.”
Ms Clements mentioned the couple beloved to journey and Don had not too long ago visited China to additional his non secular research.
She described Ms Patterson and sister Heather Wilkinson, who additionally died, as being shut.
South Gippsland Shire mayor Nathan Hersey confirmed the group have been concerned within the Korumburra Baptist Church.
He instructed the Today present on Monday morning they have been “well-loved” of their tight-knit group.
“We have had a significant loss to the Korumburra community this week,” he mentioned.
“Many people in our community are grieving the loss of three very important, much-loved, and very well-respected people.”
Mr Hersey mentioned Mr Wilkinson was nonetheless in hospital in a “bad way”, however wouldn’t touch upon the investigation.
“It’s very hard in a tight-knit community, particularly when you have individuals who give back and give so much to the community.” he mentioned.
“It‘s felt wide, far and wide, and I’m sure not just within South Gippsland and Korumburra, but further around our region as well.
“We are really wondering why is this happening to people who have been so integral and good and great people for our community.
“But, at the moment, we just have to let that investigation continue and provide whatever support we can as a community.”
Mr Hersey mentioned the household had requested privateness whereas they grieved, however had instructed the council they “felt supported”.
The Mayor confirmed that the household had been at a non-public lunch after they have been struck with what was believed to be gastro.
“That has obviously changed from that point with multiple people becoming extremely unwell,” he mentioned.
“What happens from here needs to remain in the hands of the authorities to investigate.
“We are just hoping for a really good outcome for Ian.”
Source: www.news.com.au
