The Victorian Supreme Court on September 8 sentenced Erin Patterson to life imprisonment for a 2023 incident in which she served a lunch containing deadly Amanita phalloides mushrooms at her Leongatha home, killing three relatives and severely injuring a fourth. She must serve at least 33 years before becoming eligible for parole.
Justice Christopher Beale described the case as a “profound betrayal,” noting Patterson meticulously planned the act, lied about the mushroom source, and falsely claimed to have cancer, all while denying malicious intent. He said her “lack of remorse” would further harm the victims’ families.
The sentencing hearing was the first in Victoria to be broadcast live, reflecting the high public and international interest in the case. Due to her notoriety and security concerns, Patterson is serving her sentence in isolation at the high-security Dame Phyllis Frost Centre.
The attack occurred on July 29, 2023, when Patterson’s lunch led to the deaths of three of her ex-husband’s relatives. The sole survivor, Ian Wilkinson, told the court he forgives Patterson and hopes she “uses her time in prison wisely.”
Patterson has 28 days to file an appeal against the sentence.