Erin Patterson, who murdered three relatives with poisonous mushrooms, has been given a life prison sentence by the supreme court in Australia.
Patterson will likely spend the rest of her life in prison, with the sentence stipulating that she won’t be eligible for parole for at least 33 years, at which point she will be 83.
According to BBC News, the judge said Patterson’s crimes were the “worst category” for offending and involved an “elaborate cover-up.”
Patterson attempted to kill four relatives with death cap mushrooms in a beef wellington she served them in 2023. Patterson’s mother and father in-law plus mother in-law’s sister died. A local pastor, who was married to Patterson’s mother in-law’s sister, is the only person to have survived. He recovered after weeks of treatment in hospital and spoke to the press outside the courthouse for the first time today, as he thanked the many people who have have helped throughout the lengthy legal process.
The judge said Patterson will be at “significant risk” from other prisoners due to the notoriety of the case, according to BBC News. She is currently in a maximum security prison, where she spends 22 hours a day in her cell with no contact with others.
Patterson maintains her innocence, saying that she accidentally added the mushrooms to the dish and never intended to harm relatives. Earlier in her lengthy trial, her husband accused her of repeatedly trying to poison him during their relationship.
Patterson’s case has generated headlines around the world. Australia’s ABC is forging a TV drama about the case, Toxic, which is being created by Elise McCredie (Jack Irish) and Tony Ayres (The Survivors) and produced by Ayres’ Universal International Studios-backed indie. Described as an “intricate series that explores the events and characters of this true-life story without judgement,” the show will involve multiple timelines and numerous perspectives.
The post Mushroom Killer Erin Patterson Sentenced To Life In Prison appeared first on Deadline.
