An Australian mother has been jailed for life after cooking a meal that killed three family members and left another fighting for his life.
Erin Patterson, 50, invited her former in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, 66, to lunch at her home in Leongatha, Victoria, on 29 July 2023. Heather’s husband, Reverend Ian Wilkinson, also attended.
The group ate a beef wellington made with death cap mushrooms. Within hours, they all became sick. Gail and Heather died on 4 August. Don died the next day. Reverend Wilkinson survived but needed a liver transplant.
The Court’s Decision
The Supreme Court of Victoria sentenced Patterson to life in prison, with a minimum of 33 years before she can apply for parole.
Justice Christopher Beale said her crimes were “in the worst category of murder and attempted murder.” He noted Patterson had shown no remorse and is likely to spend years in solitary confinement for her own protection.
A Case That Shocked Australia
The trial ran for nine weeks and became one of the most followed court cases in Australia. Podcasts, journalists, and documentary crews covered every detail. For the first time, cameras were allowed in court to broadcast the sentencing live.
Simon Patterson, Erin’s former husband, did not attend the fatal lunch. He later revealed he believed she had tried to poison him on several earlier occasions.
Why Death Cap Mushrooms Are So Dangerous
Death cap mushrooms are among the most poisonous in the world. They cause severe liver and kidney failure, and even a small amount can be fatal. Symptoms often appear hours later, making early treatment difficult.
A Community in Mourning
The murders have left the small town of Leongatha and the families devastated. In his statement, Reverend Wilkinson thanked people across Australia and the world for their support.
“Our lives and the life of our community depend on the kindness of others,” he said. “I’d like to encourage everybody to be kind to each other.”
