One of Australia’s most notorious killers, Erin Patterson, has been sentenced to three life terms for the mushroom lunch murders that shocked the nation, but she could walk free in her eighties. According to 9News, the 50-year-old was convicted in July of murdering her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, after serving them beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms at a family lunch in July 2023. Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, survived but was left seriously ill. Patterson maintained the poisonings were accidental, but a jury found

One of Australia’s most notorious killers, Erin Patterson, has been sentenced to three life terms for the mushroom lunch murders that shocked the nation, but she could walk free in her eighties. According to

9News,

the 50-year-old was convicted in July of murdering her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, after serving them beef Wellington laced with death cap mushrooms at a family lunch in July 2023. Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, survived but was left seriously ill. Patterson maintained the poisonings were accidental, but a jury found her guilty of three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. On Friday, Victorian Supreme Court Justice Christopher Beale sentenced Patterson to three concurrent life terms with a non-parole period of 33 years, rejecting prosecution calls for her to be jailed without the prospect of release. With time served, she could be eligible for parole at age 82.

‘Worst Category of Murder’

Justice Beale described Patterson’s actions as the “worst category of murder,” noting she deliberately ate from a separate plate to avoid poisoning herself and concocted lies to conceal her crimes, including false claims about a food dehydrator and even cancer. “They had all been good to you and your children over many years,” Beale told Patterson. “Not only did you cut short three lives and cause lasting damage to Ian Wilkinson’s health, you inflicted untold suffering on your own children, whom you robbed of their beloved grandparents.” The judge said Patterson showed no remorse and knew the mushrooms would cause prolonged suffering. However, he acknowledged her imprisonment would be harsher than usual, given her notoriety and extended time in near-solitary confinement. “You are likely to remain a notorious prisoner for many years to come,” Beale said, referencing the books, documentaries and TV series already planned about her case. Patterson briefly opened her eyes and scowled at the media when the judge mentioned her notoriety. Outside court, survivor Ian Wilkinson thanked police for their “professional, efficient and effective” investigation. “They brought to light the truth of what happened with the death of three good people,” he said, adding that he was grateful for nationwide and international support.

The survivor Ian Wilkinson speaks outside court. (9News)

Patterson has 28 days to appeal her conviction or sentence. Legal experts say an appeal is highly likely. Lawyer Justin Quill told 9News Patterson was “almost an unbackable favourite to appeal,” noting: “She’s got money, she’s got time, she’s got nothing to lose.” Patterson has been in custody since her arrest in November 2023 and is classified as a “major offender.” She spends more than 22 hours a day alone in her cell, with meals and medicine delivered through a hatch. She has minimal human contact and limited time outdoors. Justice Beale said Patterson is allowed to communicate with only one other inmate — a convicted terrorist — but has chosen not to do so.  

A little more informed. A little more connected.