Anthony Yates
Australian authorities arrested a woman for reportedly poisoning members of her ex-husband’s family with mushrooms. A judge has now sentenced her to decades behind bars.
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What happened: The incident occurred in 2023, but the suspect, 50-year-old Erin Patterson, was sentenced on Monday.
- Patterson reportedly invited several family members, including her ex-husband, to a meal in July 2023. Her ex never attended, but his parents, 70-year-old Don and Gail Patterson, did. Gail’s sister, 66-year-old Heather Wilkinson, and her husband, 68-year-old Ian Wilkinson, were also present.
- All four guests became sick after eating the meal, which Patterson reportedly served with poisonous death cap mushrooms. Don Patterson, Gail Patterson, and Heather Wilkinson died after consuming the dish. Ian Wilkinson survived but had an extended stay recovering in the hospital.
- Patterson claimed she used the mushrooms because they had “more flavor.” She alleged that she fried them up with butter on a previous occasion, and they did not make her sick.
A Judge Gave Patterson Multiple Concurrent Life Sentences
Concurrent life sentences: According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Justice Christopher Beale gave Patterson three life sentences for the murder of Don and Gail Patterson and Heather Wilkinson. Beale also gave her 25 years for attempted murder.
- ABC reveals that Beale declared, “all sentences are to be served concurrently.” This condition means that all of Patterson’s sentences are served simultaneously instead of back-to-back.
- The outlet points out that Patterson will be in her 80s by the time she’s eligible for parole in 2056. Her sentence considers the time she has already spent in prison, as she was arrested in 2023.
Patterson’s ex-husband did not attend the hearing: ABC also notes that Erin’s ex-husband, Simon Patterson, was absent from the court hearing.
- Simon reportedly provided evidence during the trial, but has not agreed to any interviews. The outlet believes he may share his story in a podcast in the future.
“Significant” risk from other prisoners: Patterson reportedly has a maximum security rating in jail. She is not considered a danger to other prisoners, but the high-profile nature of the case puts her at risk from other inmates.
- Justice Beale reportedly detailed Patterson’s conditions in the Dame Phyllis Frost Centre, where staff keep her isolated. She is allegedly in her cell for 22 hours a day and is kept away from other prisoners.
