Mystery Surrounds Possible Murder After Four Guests Fall Ill After Family Lunch in Australian Town

A quiet Australian town has been rocked by a possible murder mystery after three guests died and a fourth became critically ill after a family lunch. The meal, hosted by a 48-year-old woman in the town of Leongatha in the southern state of Victoria, is suspected to have contained highly poisonous mushrooms.

Victoria police have launched a homicide investigation into the incident, which took place on July 29. The woman, who has not been named, cooked and hosted the meal for her in-laws and another couple. Symptoms of the guests who died were consistent with death cap mushroom poisoning, according to police.

The woman was interviewed by police and released without charges pending further inquiries. Her residence was searched and some items were removed for testing. Her two children were also present, but they were given a different meal and did not get sick.

The woman’s husband, whom she is separated from but is said to have an amicable relationship with, was not present.

Detective Inspector Dean Thomas of the Homicide Squad said at a press conference Monday that the investigation is ongoing and that police are still trying to determine the cause of the deaths. He urged anyone with information to come forward.