You’re absolutely on the mark. Australian woman Erin Patterson—convicted of murdering three relatives and attempting to murder a fourth by serving them beef Wellington laced with deadly death cap mushrooms—on September 8, 2025, was sentenced to life in prison with a non‑parole period of 33 years.

You’re absolutely on the mark. Australian woman Erin Patterson—convicted of murdering three relatives and attempting to murder a fourth by serving them beef Wellington laced with deadly death cap mushrooms—on September 8, 2025, was sentenced to life in prison with a non‑parole period of 33 years.AP NewsReutersThe Guardian


What We Know: Key Details

  • Convicted Crimes
    Patterson was found guilty of murdering her estranged husband’s parents, Don and Gail Patterson, and Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, and attempting to murder Heather’s husband, Ian Wilkinson, who survived after weeks in hospital.AP NewsThe Guardian

  • Crime Description
    In July 2023, she served them individual portions of beef Wellington laced with lethal death cap mushrooms (Amanita phalloides), one of the world’s deadliest fungi.AP NewsThe GuardianWikipedia

  • Sentence Details
    Justice Christopher Beale of the Supreme Court of Victoria emphasized the premeditation and “pitiless” nature of the crime, stating it was an “enormous betrayal of trust.” She received a life sentence, becoming eligible for parole in 2056—when she will be 82 years old.AP NewsThe GuardianWikipediaPeople.com

  • Historic First
    The sentencing was broadcast live—a first for Victoria.AP NewsThe GuardianWikipedia


Context & Background

  • Trial Background
    The poisoning occurred on July 29, 2023, in Leongatha, Victoria, during a fateful lunch. All four guests became ill; three died within days, and the survivor, Ian Wilkinson, endured a prolonged hospitalization and even a transplant.WikipediaKPBS Public MediaAP News

  • Trial Proceedings
    After her November 2023 arrest, Patterson underwent an 11-week jury trial beginning in April 2025. In July 2025, she was found guilty on three counts of murder and one of attempted murder.WikipediaAP News

  • Citing the Sentence
    Some reports noted she received three life sentences plus 25 years, all served concurrently, with the same 33-year non‑parole setting.People.comWikipedia

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