An Australian court on Monday (September 8) sentenced Erin Patterson, 50, to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 33 years, following her conviction for killing three people by serving them a poisonous mushroom meal. Patterson was found guilty in July of murdering her estranged husband’s parents, Don and Gail Patterson, and his aunt Heather Wilkinson, during a 2023 family lunch at her home in Leongatha, Victoria. She was also convicted of attempting to kill Heather’s husband, Pastor Ian Wilkinson, the sole survivor of the meal.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-responds-to-trump-s-last-warning-over-gaza-hostage-deal-says-1757293132110">Hamas responds to Trump's 'last warning' over Gaza hostage deal, says...</a>&nbsp;The highly publicised trial drew global attention, attracting podcasters, documentary makers, and curious onlookers to the rural Morwell courthouse. The case became infamous as the “mushroom murders,” yet Patterson’s motive has never been established. Supreme Court Justice Christopher Beale delivered the sentence in Melbourne, condemning Patterson for showing no remorse. “Your actions inflicted unimaginable suffering. Your lack of contrition only deepens the pain of those left behind,” he told the court.&nbsp;While imposing the maximum sentence, Justice Beale ruled she would be eligible for parole at age 83. Patterson’s lawyers had argued that she should be considered for release after 30 years, citing the notoriety of the case and the likelihood she would remain in protective custody. She has 28 days to appeal the verdict and the sentence. On the day of sentencing, Patterson appeared in court wearing a patterned paisley shirt, her hair tied back, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-mumbai-man-celebrates-father-s-mba-achievement-at-52-with-surprise-party-video-wins-hearts-on-social-media-1757248676327">WATCH - Mumbai man celebrates father’s MBA achievement at 52 with surprise party, video wins hearts on social media</a>&nbsp;Outside court, Pastor Wilkinson expressed gratitude for the support his family had received, while asking for privacy. “Be kind to one another,” he said quietly. “We are still grieving and trying to heal.” Jurors had been told that Simon Patterson, Erin’s estranged husband, was invited to the lunch but withdrew at the last moment, telling her via text message that he felt uneasy about attending. At the time, the couple’s relationship was strained due to disputes over child support.&nbsp;Patterson claimed throughout the trial that the beef Wellington she served had been unintentionally contaminated with death cap mushrooms — one of the most poisonous fungi in the world, known for its deceptive resemblance to edible varieties and sweet flavor masking its deadly toxins. During emotional victim impact statements, relatives described the enduring devastation. Wilkinson, who survived but lost his wife, said he feels “half alive” without her. “The silence in our home is a constant reminder of what I’ve lost,” he said. “I carry a heavy weight of grief every day.”

Australia’s ‘mushroom murders’: Erin Patterson sentenced to life in prison

An Australian court on Monday (September 8) sentenced Erin Patterson, 50, to life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after 33 years, following her conviction for killing three people by serving them a poisonous mushroom meal. Patterson was found guilty in July of murdering her estranged husband’s parents, Don and Gail Patterson, and his aunt Heather Wilkinson, during a 2023 family lunch at her home in Leongatha, Victoria. She was also convicted of attempting to kill Heather’s husband, Pastor Ian Wilkinson, the sole survivor of the meal. Also Read: Hamas responds to Trump's 'last warning' over Gaza hostage deal, says... The highly publicised trial drew global attention, attracting podcasters, documentary makers, and curious onlookers to the rural Morwell courthouse. The case became infamous as the “mushroom murders,” yet Patterson’s motive has never been established. Supreme Court Justice Christopher Beale delivered the sentence in Melbourne, condemning Patterson for showing no remorse. “Your actions inflicted unimaginable suffering. Your lack of contrition only deepens the pain of those left behind,” he told the court. While imposing the maximum sentence, Justice Beale ruled she would be eligible for parole at age 83. Patterson’s lawyers had argued that she should be considered for release after 30 years, citing the notoriety of the case and the likelihood she would remain in protective custody. She has 28 days to appeal the verdict and the sentence. On the day of sentencing, Patterson appeared in court wearing a patterned paisley shirt, her hair tied back, according to The Sydney Morning Herald. Also Read: WATCH - Mumbai man celebrates father’s MBA achievement at 52 with surprise party, video wins hearts on social media Outside court, Pastor Wilkinson expressed gratitude for the support his family had received, while asking for privacy. “Be kind to one another,” he said quietly. “We are still grieving and trying to heal.” Jurors had been told that Simon Patterson, Erin’s estranged husband, was invited to the lunch but withdrew at the last moment, telling her via text message that he felt uneasy about attending. At the time, the couple’s relationship was strained due to disputes over child support. Patterson claimed throughout the trial that the beef Wellington she served had been unintentionally contaminated with death cap mushrooms — one of the most poisonous fungi in the world, known for its deceptive resemblance to edible varieties and sweet flavor masking its deadly toxins. During emotional victim impact statements, relatives described the enduring devastation. Wilkinson, who survived but lost his wife, said he feels “half alive” without her. “The silence in our home is a constant reminder of what I’ve lost,” he said. “I carry a heavy weight of grief every day.”

Erin Patterson has been sentenced to life with parole after 33 years for the fatal ‘mushroom murders’ in Victoria that killed three and left one survivor

An Australian woman on Monday has been found guilty of killing three of her husband’s relatives by serving them poisonous mushrooms (death cap mushrooms) at a lunch nearly two years ago. The woman 50-year-old woman identified as, Erin Patterson, faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, however, it was not immediately clear when she would be sentenced.Erin Patterson was charged after she cooked and served beef Wellington at a lunch party, inviting her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, who refused to attend. But later his parents, Gail and Don Patterson, along with Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, and her husband, Ian Wilkinson, according to a report by the New York Times.With symptoms indicative of poisoning by death cap mushrooms, three of them lost their lives within a week. While Wilkinson fell critically ill but survived.<h3>What is death cap mushrooms?</h3>It is a deadly poisonous fungus which is found across the Canberra region of Australia. There have been several reports of poisonings and deaths associated with death cap mushrooms. All parts of this mushroom are said to be poisonous, and it can grow anywhere in the region, at any time, according to a report on the Australian government website (ACT government).Death cap mushrooms remain potentially lethal, even if cooked and even a small amount of it can kill you.<h3>What are the symptoms of poisoning?</h3>Signs of poisoning from death cap mushrooms typically appear between 6 and 24 hours after consumption. These may include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. While symptoms might temporarily subside or disappear after a day or two, this can be misleading as by that time, the toxins may have already caused severe liver damage, potentially leading to liver failure and even death.<h3>What to do if you’ve consumed Death Cap Mushroom?</h3>According to the Australian government website the ACT, if you suspect you’ve consumed a death cap mushroom, seek emergency medical care immediately—do not wait for symptoms to appear. Early treatment significantly improves the chances of survival.Bring any leftover pieces of the mushroom to the hospital in a sealed, clearly labelled container to help with identification. Also, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands and any utensils or tools that came into contact with the mushroom.

Signs of poisoning from death cap mushrooms symptoms might temporarily subside or disappear after a day or two, but this can be misleading, as by that time, the toxins may have already caused severe liver damage, potentially leading to liver failure and even death.

An Australian woman on Monday has been found guilty of killing three of her husband’s relatives by serving them poisonous mushrooms (death cap mushrooms) at a lunch nearly two years ago. The woman 50-year-old woman identified as, Erin Patterson, faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, however, it was not immediately clear when she would be sentenced. Erin Patterson was charged after she cooked and served beef Wellington at a lunch party, inviting her estranged husband, Simon Patterson, who refused to attend. But later his parents, Gail and Don Patterson, along with Gail’s sister, Heather Wilkinson, and her husband, Ian Wilkinson, according to a report by the New York Times. With symptoms indicative of poisoning by death cap mushrooms, three of them lost their lives within a week. While Wilkinson fell critically ill but survived. What is death cap mushrooms? It is a deadly poisonous fungus which is found across the Canberra region of Australia. There have been several reports of poisonings and deaths associated with death cap mushrooms. All parts of this mushroom are said to be poisonous, and it can grow anywhere in the region, at any time, according to a report on the Australian government website (ACT government). Death cap mushrooms remain potentially lethal, even if cooked and even a small amount of it can kill you. What are the symptoms of poisoning? Signs of poisoning from death cap mushrooms typically appear between 6 and 24 hours after consumption. These may include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. While symptoms might temporarily subside or disappear after a day or two, this can be misleading as by that time, the toxins may have already caused severe liver damage, potentially leading to liver failure and even death. What to do if you’ve consumed Death Cap Mushroom? According to the Australian government website the ACT, if you suspect you’ve consumed a death cap mushroom, seek emergency medical care immediately—do not wait for symptoms to appear. Early treatment significantly improves the chances of survival. Bring any leftover pieces of the mushroom to the hospital in a sealed, clearly labelled container to help with identification. Also, be sure to thoroughly wash your hands and any utensils or tools that came into contact with the mushroom.

Signs of poisoning from death cap mushrooms symptoms might temporarily subside or disappear after a day or two, but this can be misleading, as by that time, the toxins may have already caused severe liver damage, potentially leading to liver failure and even death.

What is 'Death Cap Mushroom'? Toxic fungus linked to Erin Patterson poisoning case

A 49-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday (Nov 2) in Australia and charged with murder in a case linked to deadly mushroom poisoning that left three people dead.&nbsp;

They died earlier this year after Erin Patterson served a lunch to a group of people that included her estranged parents-in-law.

Patterson remained in the headlines for the case that shook up a small rural town of Leongatha, 110 kilometres southeast of Melbourne.&nbsp;

According to the police, they arrested Patterson in the morning and began a search of her home with the help of "technology detector dogs". Reports have mentioned t hat the dogs can sniff out electronic devices such as USB keys.&nbsp;

The Victoria Police have confirmed that the woman was charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder.&nbsp;

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She will be questioned by the homicide squad investigators once the search of her home is complete, said Detective Inspector Dean Thomas of the Victoria police homicide squad.

"Today's arrest is just the next step in what has been a complex and thorough investigation by homicide squad detectives and one that is not yet over,"&nbsp; Thomas told reporters.

He added that the probe had been subject to "incredibly intense" media and public interest in Australia and internationally.&nbsp;

"I think it is particularly important that we keep in mind that at the heart of this three people have lost their lives," Thomas said, adding that "a tragedy such as this can reverberate for years to come" in smaller communities.&nbsp;

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<h2>How did she serve 'poisonous' mushrooms?&nbsp;</h2>

Local reports have mentioned that Patterson served the mushrooms as part of a beef Wellington dish on the afternoon of Jul 29 to her estranged parents-in-law Don and Gail Patterson, local Baptist pastor Ian Wilkinson and his wife Heather.&nbsp;

On the same night, the two couples were taken to hospital with food poisoning symptoms. Their health rapidly deteriorated, and within a week, three of them were dead.&nbsp;

Police believe their symptoms were consistent with those caused by eating highly toxic death cap mushrooms.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A 49-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday (Nov 2) in Australia and charged with murder in a case linked to deadly mushroom poisoning that left three people dead.

A 49-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday (Nov 2) in Australia and charged with murder in a case linked to deadly mushroom poisoning that left three people dead. They died earlier this year after Erin Patterson served a lunch to a group of people that included her estranged parents-in-law. Patterson remained in the headlines for the case that shook up a small rural town of Leongatha, 110 kilometres southeast of Melbourne. According to the police, they arrested Patterson in the morning and began a search of her home with the help of "technology detector dogs". Reports have mentioned t hat the dogs can sniff out electronic devices such as USB keys. The Victoria Police have confirmed that the woman was charged with three counts of murder and five counts of attempted murder. Also read: Australia halts trade negotiations with EU. Here's why She will be questioned by the homicide squad investigators once the search of her home is complete, said Detective Inspector Dean Thomas of the Victoria police homicide squad. "Today's arrest is just the next step in what has been a complex and thorough investigation by homicide squad detectives and one that is not yet over," Thomas told reporters. He added that the probe had been subject to "incredibly intense" media and public interest in Australia and internationally. "I think it is particularly important that we keep in mind that at the heart of this three people have lost their lives," Thomas said, adding that "a tragedy such as this can reverberate for years to come" in smaller communities. Also read: Missing in action: As Gaza burns, a failing UN needs Dylan's wake-up call How did she serve 'poisonous' mushrooms? Local reports have mentioned that Patterson served the mushrooms as part of a beef Wellington dish on the afternoon of Jul 29 to her estranged parents-in-law Don and Gail Patterson, local Baptist pastor Ian Wilkinson and his wife Heather. On the same night, the two couples were taken to hospital with food poisoning symptoms. Their health rapidly deteriorated, and within a week, three of them were dead. Police believe their symptoms were consistent with those caused by eating highly toxic death cap mushrooms. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia: Woman charged with murder over mushroom poisoning that left 3 people dead

A mysterious tale of a family of five members in the small Australian town of Leongatha has shaken the island nation. The family met over lunch and within a week, three were dead, a fourth is fighting for life and the fifth is under investigation for poisoning the other four.&nbsp;

But the 48-year-old woman who cooked the lunch says she has no idea what happened, and that she loved her family dearly and would never do something like this. The case has also left the police flabbergasted. Homicide detectives are still trying to work out if a mushroom poisoning, which killed three people, is suspicious or not.

<h2>Mushroom poisoning deaths? Here’s what the case is all about</h2>

The tragic incident started when Gail and Don Patterson stopped for lunch with their grandkids at their daughter-in-law Erin Patterson’s house in Leongatha, a town southeast of Melbourne. They were then joined by Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson and her husband Ian Wilkinson.&nbsp;

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All four sat over lunch, but it was no ordinary lunch. Hours after the meal, all four guests took themselves to the local hospital with what they first believed was severe gastro.

Within hours it became clear that it was something much worse, and they were transferred to a hospital in Melbourne.&nbsp;

Heather (66) and Gail (70) died on Friday. Don (70) died on Saturday and Ian (68) remains in a critical condition in hospital, awaiting a liver transplant.

At first, police believed the four ate death cap mushrooms, which are highly lethal if ingested. But strangely, both of Erin’s children are just fine.&nbsp;

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Police say both kids - who have since been taken into state care as a "precaution", ate altogether a different meal. Investigators are not even sure whether Erin consumed the same meal or not.&nbsp;

They also pointed out that she was separated from her husband - who is Patterson's son, but described it as an "amicable" separation.

"At this point in time, the deaths are unexplained," the homicide squad's Dean Thomas told reporters on Monday.

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"It could be very innocent, but we just don't know."

Erin Patterson is still in disbelief at what has happened. Crying as she spoke to reporters outside of her home, she declined to answer questions about what meals were served to which guests or where the mushrooms had come from.

"I didn't do anything; I loved them”, said Erin.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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A mysterious tale of a family of five members in the small Australian town of Leongatha has shaken the island nation. The family met over lunch and within a week, three were dead, a fourth is fighting for life and the fifth is under investigation for poisoning the other four.

A mysterious tale of a family of five members in the small Australian town of Leongatha has shaken the island nation. The family met over lunch and within a week, three were dead, a fourth is fighting for life and the fifth is under investigation for poisoning the other four. But the 48-year-old woman who cooked the lunch says she has no idea what happened, and that she loved her family dearly and would never do something like this. The case has also left the police flabbergasted. Homicide detectives are still trying to work out if a mushroom poisoning, which killed three people, is suspicious or not. Mushroom poisoning deaths? Here’s what the case is all about The tragic incident started when Gail and Don Patterson stopped for lunch with their grandkids at their daughter-in-law Erin Patterson’s house in Leongatha, a town southeast of Melbourne. They were then joined by Gail’s sister Heather Wilkinson and her husband Ian Wilkinson. Also Read | What is ALS, the disease that claimed life of Sandra Bullock's partner? All four sat over lunch, but it was no ordinary lunch. Hours after the meal, all four guests took themselves to the local hospital with what they first believed was severe gastro. Within hours it became clear that it was something much worse, and they were transferred to a hospital in Melbourne. Heather (66) and Gail (70) died on Friday. Don (70) died on Saturday and Ian (68) remains in a critical condition in hospital, awaiting a liver transplant. At first, police believed the four ate death cap mushrooms, which are highly lethal if ingested. But strangely, both of Erin’s children are just fine. Also Read | Watch: Mysterious light seen above Australia's Victoria linked to Russian rocket Police say both kids - who have since been taken into state care as a "precaution", ate altogether a different meal. Investigators are not even sure whether Erin consumed the same meal or not. They also pointed out that she was separated from her husband - who is Patterson's son, but described it as an "amicable" separation. "At this point in time, the deaths are unexplained," the homicide squad's Dean Thomas told reporters on Monday. Also Read | Notorious 'Hank the Tank' bear captured in California's Lake Tahoe region "It could be very innocent, but we just don't know." Erin Patterson is still in disbelief at what has happened. Crying as she spoke to reporters outside of her home, she declined to answer questions about what meals were served to which guests or where the mushrooms had come from. "I didn't do anything; I loved them”, said Erin. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Mushroom poisoning in Australia: What is the mysterious case that turned family lunch into tragedy?

Death caps are credited to be the most poisonous mushrooms in the world and they are estimated to cause 90% of all deaths from mushroom poisoning globally. A China-led team of researchers have found a possible antidote to the Death Cap mushroom that has claimed many lives over the years.

Scientists find the antidote for the world's most poisonous mushroom called Death Cap

A second child of an Afghan family evacuated from Kabul to Poland died on Friday after eating soup containing death cap mushrooms, which the family had unknowingly gathered in a Polish forest outside their quarantine center.

The 6-year-old boy had received an emergency liver transplant but doctors were unable to save him. His 5-year-old brother was pronounced dead on Thursday at Poland's main children's hospital, where both were treated.

The boys' 17-year-old sister was treated at the hospital and released, in good condition. Doctors said the dose of toxins was less damaging to an adult with larger body mass than to children.

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Authorities are investigating whether negligence could have been a factor in the poisoning last week.

The family of two adults and four children allegedly cooked soup with the highly poisonous mushrooms they found in the forest around a center where they were undergoing a mandatory quarantine. They entered the center in Podkowa Lesna, a small town near Warsaw, on August&nbsp;23.

Prosecutors are questioning the center's staff about the events last week as part of an investigation that could lead to possible criminal charges for negligence and unintentional exposing people to a serious threat of loss of health or life, Aleksandra Skrzyniarz, a spokesperson for the prosecutors' office in Warsaw, said. The offense carries a maximum prison term of three years, she said.

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Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski said this week that the poisonings were a "tragedy, but did not result from any negligence at the center." Authorities have rejected media speculation that food rations at the center may have been insufficient.

Poland evacuated the family last month at Britain's request after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. The father had worked for the British military.

A second child of an Afghan family evacuated from Kabul to Poland died on Friday after eating soup containing death cap mushrooms, which the family had unknowingly gathered in a Polish forest outside their quarantine center.

A second child of an Afghan family evacuated from Kabul to Poland died on Friday after eating soup containing death cap mushrooms, which the family had unknowingly gathered in a Polish forest outside their quarantine center. The 6-year-old boy had received an emergency liver transplant but doctors were unable to save him. His 5-year-old brother was pronounced dead on Thursday at Poland's main children's hospital, where both were treated. The boys' 17-year-old sister was treated at the hospital and released, in good condition. Doctors said the dose of toxins was less damaging to an adult with larger body mass than to children. Watch | Afghanistan: Will Taliban let women work & live freely? × Authorities are investigating whether negligence could have been a factor in the poisoning last week. The family of two adults and four children allegedly cooked soup with the highly poisonous mushrooms they found in the forest around a center where they were undergoing a mandatory quarantine. They entered the center in Podkowa Lesna, a small town near Warsaw, on August 23. Prosecutors are questioning the center's staff about the events last week as part of an investigation that could lead to possible criminal charges for negligence and unintentional exposing people to a serious threat of loss of health or life, Aleksandra Skrzyniarz, a spokesperson for the prosecutors' office in Warsaw, said. The offense carries a maximum prison term of three years, she said. Also Read | Google locks Afghan government accounts as Taliban seek emails: Source Interior Minister Mariusz Kaminski said this week that the poisonings were a "tragedy, but did not result from any negligence at the center." Authorities have rejected media speculation that food rations at the center may have been insufficient. Poland evacuated the family last month at Britain's request after the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan. The father had worked for the British military.

Second Afghan boy dies of mushroom poisoning in Poland

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Australia’s ‘mushroom murders’: Erin Patterson sentenced to life in prison

What is 'Death Cap Mushroom'? Fungus linked to Erin Patterson poisoning case

Australia: Woman charged with murder over mushroom poisoning that left 3 people dead

Mushroom poisoning in Australia: What is the mysterious case that turned family lunch into tragedy?

Scientists find the antidote for the world's most poisonous mushroom called Death Cap

Second Afghan boy dies of mushroom poisoning in Poland