Australia’s ‘Mushroom murderer’ jailed for life over fatal lunch that shocked the world

Nevin Al Sukari - Sana'a - Convicted killer Erin Patterson (L) leaves the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne on September 8, 2025. — AFP pic

MELBOURNE, Sept 8 — An Australian judge sentenced convicted killer Erin Patterson yesterday to life in prison with parole after 33 years for killing three people with toxic mushrooms, capping a trial that sparked a global media frenzy.

Patterson, 50, was convicted in July of triple murder for serving a poisonous meal to her estranged husband’s parents, aunt and uncle during a beef Wellington lunch at her home in 2023.

Her trial drew podcasters, film crews and true crime fans to a courthouse in the rural town of Morwell, a sedate hamlet in Victoria better known for its prize-winning roses.

Audiences from New York to New Delhi followed every twist of what many now simply call the “mushroom murders”.

The motive for the killings remains a mystery.

Patterson was sentenced yesterday morning in Melbourne, where Supreme Court Justice Christopher Beale said she had inflicted “trauma” on her victims and their families.

“Your failure to exhibit any remorse pours salt into all the victims’ wounds,” he said.

“The gravity of your offending warrants the imposition of the maximum penalties for your crimes,” he added.

She was sentenced to life in prison but will be eligible for parole after 33 years, when she will be 83 years old.

Her legal team had argued she should be granted the chance of release after 30 years, saying the notoriety of her case would mean she spends most of her sentence in isolation.

She now has 28 days to appeal both her convictions and her sentence.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Patterson wore a paisley shirt as the sentence was read out, with her hair tied back.

Speaking after the sentence was handed down, Pastor Ian Wilkinson — the only guest to survive the toxic mushroom lunch — thanked those who had supported the family in the aftermath of the murders.

“I’d like to encourage everybody to be kind to each other,” he said.

“Please respect our privacy as we continue to grieve and heal,” he added.

‘Heavy burden of grief’

In July, a 12-person jury found Patterson guilty of murdering her husband Simon’s parents, Don and Gail Patterson, as well as his aunt Heather Wilkinson, at her home in Leongatha, in the state of Victoria.

She was also found guilty of attempting to murder Ian, Heather’s husband.

Simon had also been invited to the fateful lunch, but pulled out on the eve of the meal, texting his estranged wife that he felt “uncomfortable” attending.

At the time, Patterson’s relationship with Simon had turned sour.

The pair — long estranged but still legally married — were fighting over Simon’s child support contributions.

Throughout a trial lasting more than two months, Patterson maintained the beef-and-pastry dish was accidentally poisoned with death cap mushrooms, the world’s most lethal fungus.

Death cap mushrooms are easily mistaken for edible varieties and reportedly possess a sweet taste that belies their potent toxicity.

Friends and family of the victims last month told the court of the devastating impact of the crime.

Sole lunch survivor Wilkinson said he feels “half alive” without his wife.

“The silence in our home is a daily reminder,” he said.

“I continue to carry a heavy burden of grief over her untimely death.” — AFP