The woman — who has been identified as Erin Patterson in various media outlets, includingThe Sydney Morning Herald,The New York TimesandThe Associated Press–  was charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder,Victoria Policesaid in a statement.

The charges stem from an incident on July 29 when four people were hospitalized after they fell ill following a meal at a home in Leongatha, said authorities. Three of those people – identified in media reports as Gail and Don Patterson, both 70, and Heather Wilkinson, 66 – later died. Ian Wilkinson, 69, who survived, was released from the hospital in September.

At the time, following the third death, Patterson had denied wrongdoing, saying, per the AP: “I’m devastated. I loved them. I can’t believe that this has happened and I’m so sorry.”

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The additional three attempted murder charges are linked to three separate incidents in Victoria between 2021 and 2022, said authorities, including a 48-year-old man who fell ill from meals during that period.

AsThe New York Timesreported, Erin Patterson hosted a lunch at her home in July for Gail and Don Patterson, who were the parents of her estranged husband, along with Gail Patterson’s sister, Heather Wilkinson and brother-in-law Ian Wilkinson.

Police said previously that they believe the victims ate Amanita phalloides – otherwise known asdeath cap— which are among the most lethal mushrooms for humans, perCBS News.

Patterson was arrested Thursday morning following a police search at her home in Leongatha,The Sydney Morning Heraldreported.

“She was remanded in custody to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court tomorrow morning,” said police in their statement.

Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said in a press statement Thursday when the charges against Patterson were announced: “Over the last three months, this investigation has been subjected to incredibly intense levels of public scrutiny and curiosity I cannot think of another investigation that has generated this level of media and public interest, not only here in Victoria but also nationally and internationally."

Thomas also asked the public to contact authorities if they had any further information related to the case.

source: people.com