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Erin Patterson Found Guilty of Poisoning Ex–in–Laws with Death Cap Mushrooms

After a ten-week trial focused on forensic evidence, a Victorian jury convicted the 50-year-old on three murder counts plus one attempted murder.

Erin Patterson is photographed in Melbourne, on April 15, 2025. (James Ross/AAP Image via AP)
Esta fotografía tomada el 12 de mayo de 2025 muestra a Erin Patterson llegando en la parte de atrás de un vehículo de transporte penitenciario al Tribunal, en Morwell, Australia
Erin Patterson, en una imagen de archivo.
Erin Patterson condenada a cadena perpetua por envenenar y matar a sus ex suegros en Australia. Foto: Canvas y Heraldo de México

Overview

  • The jury began deliberations on June 30 and delivered its guilty verdict on July 7.
  • Prosecutors showed that Patterson had picked, dried, weighed and added Amanita phalloides to individual Beef Wellington servings at a July 29, 2023 dinner in Leongatha.
  • Three guests—her former in–laws Gail and Don Patterson and Heather Wilkinson—died days after the meal while Ian Wilkinson survived after weeks in an induced coma.
  • Toxicology reports and witness testimony exposed the deliberate use of death cap mushrooms and a fabricated cancer diagnosis used to lure victims.
  • Sentencing has yet to be scheduled and she faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under Victorian law.