'Cold and calculated': Mushroom killer loses appeal, likely to die in prison

Erin Patterson, known as the 'mushroom killer,' has had her non-parole period overturned by Victoria's Court of Appeal, effectively ensuring she will spend the rest of her life in prison. The decision follows an appeal by prosecutors who argued that the severity of her crimes and lack of remorse warranted a harsher sentence.
Why it matters
This ruling sets a significant legal precedent regarding sentencing for multiple murders and the role of remorse in parole eligibility.
<p>Australia’s infamous mushroom killer cook Erin Patterson will never be released from prison, after a ruling from Victoria’s Court of Appeal set aside her non-parole period of 33 years.</p> <p>The appeal decision was handed down in the Supreme Court in Melbourne this morning. Justice Peter Kidd told the court "the nature of appellant's offences makes the fixing of a non-parole period inappropriate".</p> <p><b></b><a href="https://www.tvnz.co.nz/player/newsclip/mushroom-murder-outcome-of-erin-pattersons-appeal-bid-revealed" target="_blank"><b>Mushroom murder: Outcome of Erin Patterson’s appeal bid revealed - Watch on TVNZ+</b></a></p> <p>Last year Patterson was sentenced to <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/09/08/mushroom-killer-erin-patterson-jailed-for-life-33-year-non-parole-period/" target="_blank">at least 33 years behind bars</a> for murdering three lunch guests and trying to kill a fourth with poisonous mushrooms in 2023.</p> <p>The victims, her parents-in-law Don and Gail Patterson, along with Gail’s sister, Heather, had been invited to lunch at Patterson’s rural Victoria home, where she served them death cap mushrooms inside a dish of beef wellington.</p> <p>Heather’s husband Ian was also there, and…
Headlinne story · 5 newsrooms
Australian Court Orders Mushroom Murderer to Spend Life in Prison
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