Erin Patterson Jailed for Minimum 33 Years Over “Mushroom Murders”

Erin Patterson was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum non-parole period of 33 years after a Melbourne court found her guilty of murdering three elderly relatives with a death-cap mushroom-laced beef Wellington on September 8, 2025.

Nut Graf In a case that drew international attention, Justice Christopher Beale imposed the sentence following a jury’s July conviction of Patterson for the deaths of her estranged husband’s parents and aunt and the attempted murder of their pastor-uncle. The ruling underscores the calculated nature of the crimes and Patterson’s lack of remorse, marking Victoria’s harshest penalty for murder.

Key Details

• Victims and Charges
  • Don and Gail Patterson (70), and Heather Wilkinson (66) died after consuming the poisoned meal.
  • Ian Wilkinson survived but suffered lasting health damage.
  • Patterson faced three counts of murder and one of attempted murder.
• Court’s Findings
  • Justice Beale cited “extensive planning” and “devastating” impact beyond the direct victims, including harm to Patterson’s children and the wider community.
  • While prosecutors urged life without parole, the judge allowed for parole eligibility after 33 years, reflecting Patterson’s time already spent in isolation and her notoriety.

Sentence and Next Steps

Patterson, now 50, must serve at least 33 years before she can apply for release-making her 83 at the earliest opportunity. Her legal team has 28 days to file appeals against both conviction and sentence.

Fallout and Community Reaction

The “Leongatha mushroom murders” captivated true-crime audiences worldwide, with media crews and podcasters descending on the rural Morwell courthouse. Survivors and families submitted 28 victim impact statements, seven read aloud during hearings, detailing the profound emotional and physical toll of the poisonings. Reverend Ian Wilkinson, the sole survivor, described feeling “half alive” following his wife’s death.