Woman Sentenced to 33 Years for Poisoning in-Laws with Lethal Mushrooms

(MENAFN) An Australian woman received a life sentence Monday, with a minimum of 33 years before parole eligibility, for fatally poisoning three of her in-laws and attempting to kill a fourth by serving beef Wellington contaminated with lethal death cap mushrooms, according to local news reports.

The Supreme Court of Victoria handed down the sentence to 50-year-old Erin Patterson for the July 2023 murders of relatives connected to her estranged husband, media reported.

In July, a jury determined Patterson had intentionally fed the toxic dish to four guests at her residence in Leongatha, a town about 115 kilometers (71 miles) southeast of Melbourne.

The victims—Don and Gail Patterson, both 70 and parents of Erin’s estranged spouse, and his 66-year-old aunt, Heather Wilkinson—succumbed to Amanita mushroom poisoning in early August 2023 at a hospital.

Ian Wilkinson, Heather’s husband and the fourth guest, survived and was released from medical care. Erin Patterson’s husband, Simon, had been invited but did not attend the meal.

Justice Christopher Beale described the act as an "enormous betrayal" during the sentencing, emphasizing the meticulous planning behind the crime.

"Not only did you cut short three lives and cause lasting damage to Ian Wilkinson's health, thereby devastating extended Patterson and Wilkinson families, you inflicted untold suffering on your own children, whom you robbed of their beloved grandparents," Beale stated.

Despite the verdict, Patterson continues to assert her innocence and has 28 days to file an appeal.

Following the ruling, Ian Wilkinson expressed gratitude toward Victoria Police for their "professional, efficient and effective investigation" that uncovered the truth behind the fatal luncheon.

"They brought to light the truth of what happened with the death of three good people," he remarked.

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