Erin Patterson has been sentenced to life imprisonment with no chance of parole for at least 33 years for murdering three relatives and attempting to kill a fourth by serving them a toxic mushroom lunch in 2023. The sentencing concludes a gripping criminal case that has drawn international attention.
On July 31, 2023, Patterson invited her in-laws Don and Gail Patterson, both 70, and Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson, 66, along with Heather’s husband Ian Wilkinson, to her home in Leongatha, Victoria. She prepared a beef Wellington dish that was deliberately laced with death cap mushrooms, which are among the most poisonous fungi in the world. Patterson’s estranged husband, Simon Patterson, was meant to attend but canceled at the last minute, later revealing he suspected his wife had tried to poison him before.
The victims fell severely ill shortly after the meal, with Don, Gail, and Heather succumbing to multiple organ failure in the days that followed. Ian Wilkinson, a local pastor, survived after spending time in a coma but continues to suffer from health complications related to the poisoning. The incident tore apart families and shocked the small community.
After a lengthy investigation, Patterson was charged and stood trial for nine weeks, culminating in a guilty verdict in July 2025 for three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. Throughout the trial, she maintained her innocence, claiming the mushrooms were added accidentally, but prosecutors presented evidence of premeditation, including her purchase of a dehydrator to dry the mushrooms and her disposal of it while her guests were dying.
During sentencing, Supreme Court Justice Christopher Beale emphasized the gravity of the crimes, describing them as the “worst category” of offending due to the elaborate cover-up and lack of remorse shown by Patterson. He noted that she engaged in significant deception, lying to police about the source of the mushrooms and feigning illness herself. The judge imposed three life sentences to be served concurrently, with a minimum of 33 years before parole eligibility, meaning Patterson will be in her 80s if she ever applies for release.
Justice Beale also considered Patterson’s notoriety and the harsh prison conditions she faces, including prolonged solitary confinement for her protection from other inmates. He highlighted the immense suffering caused to the victims’ families, particularly Patterson’s own children, who lost their grandparents and must cope with their mother’s actions.
Outside the court, Ian Wilkinson made his first public statement, expressing gratitude to the police, prosecutors, and medical teams involved. He encouraged kindness and forgiveness, reflecting on the profound loss of his wife of 44 years and close friends. Wilkinson’s words underscored the human toll of the tragedy beyond the legal proceedings.
The case has been widely covered in media, with the sentencing broadcast live—a first for the court—due to intense public interest. It has sparked discussions about trust, family dynamics, and the consequences of violent crime. Patterson has the right to appeal within 28 days, but for now, the sentence brings a measure of justice to those affected.