Defense Seeks Retrial in Mushroom-Murder Case Over Hotel Overlap

Erin Patterson's barrister told Victoria's Court of Appeal that jurors sharing a hotel during deliberations with prosecutors, a key police witness, and journalists was 'catastrophic' for the verdict's integrity. A verdict is the jury's formal decision; deliberations are private talks jurors hold to reach it. The defense wants her triple-murder convictions overturned. Prosecutors called the overlap accidental and said steps were taken to avoid contact. Judges will reserve their decision.