Serialously with Annie Elise – Episode 297: Teen Killed at House Party, Son Decapitates Father & Mushroom Murderer
Release Date: July 10, 2025
Introduction: Heartfelt Concerns Amidst Tragedy
Annie Elise opens the episode with a somber acknowledgment of the devastating floods in Texas, particularly the tragedy at Camp Mystic Sick. She expresses deep empathy for those affected, emphasizing the massive loss of over 100 lives and the ongoing search for missing individuals. Annie urges listeners to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts and offers resources for those feeling compelled to help.
Case 1: The Mushroom Murderer – Aaron Patterson's Heinous Act in Australia
Overview: Annie delves into a gripping case from Leongatha, Australia, involving Aaron Patterson, a 50-year-old woman who orchestrated a deadly family luncheon. Patterson, estranged from her husband Simon, invited her in-laws—Gail and Dawn—and Gail's sister Heather and her husband Ian over for lunch.
The Tragic Meal: Patterson served beef Wellington pies with a side of mashed potatoes, unknowingly infused with death cap mushrooms. Within hours, all guests except Patterson fell gravely ill. Tragically, Gail, Dawn, and Heather succumbed to the poison, while Ian survived after a liver transplant.
Suspicious Circumstances: Annie highlights the initial suspicions arising from Patterson's lack of symptoms and her fabrication of a cancer diagnosis to explain her strained relationship with her children. Inconsistencies in her stories, such as claiming to have never foraged for mushrooms when evidence suggested otherwise, further implicated her.
Evidence and Trial: Key evidence included Patterson’s phone searches for death cap mushrooms, a food dehydrator with her fingerprints and mushroom residues, and the unnecessary addition of mushrooms to the beef Wellington recipe. Despite maintaining her innocence, Aaron Patterson was ultimately convicted of three counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, facing life imprisonment.
Notable Quotes:
- [10:18] Community Member: "Can you tell us what happened on Saturday?"
- [10:29] Aaron Patterson: "I just can't fathom what has happened."
Case 2: Justin Moan – A Son’s Decapitation of His Father and Anti-Government Rampage
Incident Details: In a shocking incident from Philadelphia suburbs, 33-year-old Justin Moan brutally murdered his father, Michael Mohn, by shooting him in the head and subsequently decapitating the body. Justin then uploaded a 14-minute YouTube video under the channel "Mons Militia Call to Arms for American Patriots," displaying his father's severed head and denouncing him as a traitor to the country.
Video Content: Justin’s video was a vehement proclamation against the U.S. government, calling for its overthrow and using his father’s murder as propaganda to bolster his anti-government stance.
Aftermath and Capture: Following the gruesome act, Justin fled but was apprehended at a National Guard training center. He now faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, abuse of a corpse, possession of a weapon, and terrorism-related offenses.
Trial Proceedings: During his trial, Justin remains unrepentant, openly discussing his conspiracy theories against the government. His mother testified about his behavioral changes after relocating to Colorado, though the prosecution highlighted the lack of remorse and overwhelming evidence against him.
Notable Quotes:
- [18:07] Justin Moan: "He is now in hell for eternity as a traitor to his country."
- [20:22] Justin Moan: "I and a lot of other people around America believe that the federal government has betrayed America."
Case 3: Dr. Neha Gupta – The Mysterious Death of a Child on Vacation
Incident Overview: Dr. Neha Gupta, a pediatrician from Oklahoma, vacationed with her four-year-old daughter, Aria, in Miami. The vacation took a tragic turn when, at 3:30 AM, Gupta called 911 claiming her daughter was drowning in the pool. Aria was found unresponsive but tragically did not survive.
Red Flags and Investigation: Initial reports raised questions about the plausibility of a four-year-old drowning in the middle of the night. An autopsy revealed no water in Aria’s lungs and an empty stomach, suggesting possible asphyxiation prior to pool entry. Additionally, Gupta's late-night supervision and custody battle with her ex-husband added layers of suspicion.
Legal Proceedings: On July 1st, Gupta was extradited to Miami to face first-degree murder charges. Her legal team vehemently defends her character, portraying her as a grieving mother unjustly accused. The prosecution points to inconsistencies in her account and the circumstances surrounding Aria's death.
Notable Quotes:
- [28:20] Community Member: "This occurred, where the child was actually found, it just didn't sit right with me."
Case 4: Noah Pressgrove – Two Years Later: New Lawsuit in a Mysterious Teen Death
Background: Annie revisits the tragic case of 19-year-old Noah Pressgrove, who died under mysterious circumstances after a house party. Found naked beside a highway with multiple blunt force injuries, Noah's death remains unsolved.
Recent Developments: Nearly two years after Noah’s death, his parents have filed a wrongful death lawsuit alleging that friends at the party beat him to death. The lawsuit names seven defendants, including the party host, Noah’s best friend, and others who may have contributed to the fatal outcome.
Lack of Official Closure: Despite the lawsuit, authorities have not confirmed any suspicions of foul play beyond the parents' claims. The lawsuit seeks $75,000 in damages and introduces new allegations against individuals who were present at the party.
Community Impact: The case continues to evoke strong emotions, with Annie expressing the profound grief of Noah’s family and the ongoing mystery surrounding his death. She encourages listeners to review previous deep dives for a comprehensive understanding and to share their insights.
Notable Quotes:
- [35:34] Community Member: "We believe very confident that Noah was not killed from a hit and run."
Conclusion: Reflecting on Tragedy and the Pursuit of Justice
Annie Elise wraps up the episode by expressing her commitment to keeping her audience informed on these complex and heart-wrenching cases. She invites listeners to engage with her Patreon for exclusive content and emphasizes the importance of community support in navigating the often harrowing world of true crime.
Stay Connected: For more in-depth discussions and exclusive content, join the True Crime Club on Patreon and become a part of the community dedicated to uncovering the truth behind every headline.
Disclaimer: This podcast is not affiliated with The New York Times.