The Australian woman who allegedly cooked a poisonous mushroom lunch that killed three people says "I didn't do anything".
Victoria's homicide squad detectives are continuing their probe into how four people became unwell after attending a lunch at a Leongatha home in Victoria on July 26.
One guest, Heather Wilkinson, 66 died in hospital on Friday. Her husband, 68-year-old Baptist Church pastor Ian Wilkinson, remained in hospital on Monday afternoon in a critical condition.
While Heather's sister Gail Patterson, 70, and brother-in-law Don Patterson, 70 also died in hospital.
The Guardian reports Patterson's daughter-in-law 48-year-old Erin Patterson, has been interviewed by investigators and released without charge, though she does remain a suspect.
Police have confirmed that Patterson cooked the meal at her home, but did not fall sick like her guests.
Patterson briefly spoke with media outside her Leongatha home on Monday. While visibly distraught, Patterson said she didn't know what happened.
"I didn't do anything, I loved them. I just can't fathom what has happened," Patterson said.
"I can't believe that this has happened, and I am so sorry that they have lost their lives."
When asked about what meals were served to which guests and where the mushrooms had come from, the woman declined to comment further.
Detective Inspector Dean Thomas told media the woman was separated from her husband, which they've been told was amicable.
The woman's children were also at home during the lunch party but did not eat the same meal.
It's reported the woman's children have been taken by The Department of Families, Fairness and Housing as a precaution.
Police are yet to confirm what type of mushroom the guests ate, but Det Insp Thomas said the people who died presented with symptoms consistent with eating death cap mushrooms.
"She cooked those meals … for those people who were present," he said.
"She hasn’t presented with any symptoms but we have to keep an open mind in relation to this, that it could be very innocent. But we just don’t know at this point."
Det Insp Thomas said items from the woman's home have been seized and would be forensically tested.
"We need to understand what has occurred and the circumstances surrounding all of that."
The whānau of those who have died say their family members were "cherished individuals".
The Patterson and Wilkinson families said in a statement their whānau were parents, grandparents, siblings, children and "pillars of faith within our community".
"Their love, steadfast faith, and selfless service have left an indelible mark on our families, the Korumburra Baptist Church, the local community, and indeed, people around the globe."
