Published On 8 Sep 2025
In a shocking case that has captivated Australia, a judge in Melbourne has sentenced an Australian woman to life imprisonment for murdering three family members of her estranged husband using deadly mushrooms. Erin Patterson, 50, received a life sentence with a minimum non-parole period of 33 years, following a jury’s verdict that she had poisoned her in-laws, Gail and Donald Patterson, as well as Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, during a lunch featuring Beef Wellington tainted with highly toxic death cap mushrooms.
Patterson was also found guilty of attempting to murder Heather’s husband, Ian, who required extensive hospitalization after the incident. Notably, her estranged spouse, Simon, had been invited to the July 2023 meal in Leongatha, located around 135 kilometers (84 miles) southeast of Melbourne, but did not attend.
Justice Christopher Beale emphasized the premeditated nature of the crimes and Patterson’s lack of remorse as key factors in the severity of her sentence. “The repercussions of your actions extend far beyond your immediate victims,” he remarked during the sentencing hearing.
He continued, highlighting the trauma inflicted on Patterson’s own children, who lost their grandparents, and the lasting anguish caused to the extended Patterson and Wilkinson families. The psychological toll of this incident on the tight-knit rural community of Korumburra, where the victims resided, has been profound.
Life Sentence
Both sides in the court acknowledged that a life sentence was warranted for Patterson’s actions. Although her defense team sought eligibility for parole after 30 years, prosecutors argued she should face life without the possibility of parole, deeming her actions unworthy of the court’s leniency. Ultimately, Beale concurred and issued three life sentences for the murders, plus an additional 25-year sentence for the attempted murder, all to be served concurrently.
Despite the life sentences, Patterson is eligible for parole after serving 33 years, placing her release at the age of 81. Beale noted that she had plotted to kill her husband had he attended the fateful lunch, using a false cancer diagnosis as a ruse to gather everyone together.
Adding to the intrigue, the judge mentioned that Patterson served her meal on a distinctly colored plate to avoid mistakenly consuming the poisoned food herself, implying a methodical approach to her crime.
Patterson has remained in custody since her arrest on November 2, 2023, and has been kept in isolation for safety reasons. She has until next month to appeal her sentence but has not yet indicated her intentions.
‘Half-Alive’
The tragedy has left Ian Wilkinson, the only surviving guest from that tragic lunch, grappling with profound grief. “It’s unbearable to think someone would choose to end her life. I feel only half alive without her,” he shared, emotionally recounting the impact of his wife’s death during a victim impact statement.
The case generated a wave of media frenzy, drawing global attention and prompting live broadcasts of the trial that spanned ten weeks. Local communities, particularly in Morwell, grappled with the overwhelming fallout. The Supreme Court of Victoria made a historic decision to allow live television coverage of the sentencing due to heightened public interest.
Interest in the case has already sparked various books, documentaries, and a drama series titled “Toxic,” set to premiere on ABC Australia. This tragic saga underscores the intricate ties of family and the devastating consequences of betrayal.