Australian Woman Appeals for Longer Prison Term After Poisoning Relatives with Mushrooms
Australian prosecutors are pushing for a tougher prison sentence for Erin Patterson, who was convicted of poisoning four of her estranged husband’s family members with death cap mushrooms. Although Patterson was sentenced to life in prison, she could be eligible for parole after 33 years. The Victoria state’s Office of Public Prosecutions has filed an appeal, deeming the initial sentence as “manifestly inadequate.”
Patterson’s crime involved serving her victims toxic mushroom-laced beef Wellington pastry during a lunch gathering in 2023. Despite being found guilty of murder and attempted murder, her motive remains a mystery.
While her lawyers argued for a 30-year minimum term before parole consideration, the court set her non-parole period at 33 years. Patterson, now facing dual appeals against her sentence and convictions, awaits a hearing with three Court of Appeal judges.
This case has sparked public interest and debate over the severity of the sentence and the possibility of parole for such a heinous crime.